Successful Resuscitation After Submersion and Hypothermia
Author Information
Author(s): Hans Friberg, Malin Rundgren
Primary Institution: Lund University Hospital
Hypothesis
Can mechanical chest compressions improve outcomes in patients with cardiac arrest due to accidental hypothermia from submersion?
Conclusion
Mechanical chest compressions during transportation may help resuscitate patients who experience cardiac arrest due to accidental hypothermia from submersion.
Supporting Evidence
- One patient regained spontaneous circulation after 47 minutes.
- The sole survivor was the last to be rescued and received uninterrupted mechanical chest compressions.
- Therapeutic hypothermia was applied for 24 hours after resuscitation.
Takeaway
If someone is trapped in cold water and their heart stops, using a special machine to help pump their chest can save their life.
Methodology
Case report detailing the resuscitation of three young men who experienced cardiac arrest after submersion in cold water.
Limitations
No randomized controlled trials exist for this treatment approach due to the rarity of such cases.
Participant Demographics
Three young men, ages 27 and 34.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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