Surviving an out-of-hospital hypothermic cardiac arrest in the United Kingdom

British Paramedic Journal, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.29045/14784726.2023.3.7.4.46 · Published: March 1, 2023

Simple Explanation

This case report describes a patient who experienced a cardiac arrest due to severe hypothermia after being rescued from a river in the UK. The patient's core temperature was very low (24°C), and he was in persistent ventricular fibrillation. Standard treatments were modified based on his low temperature, following Resuscitation Council UK guidelines. The patient was transported to a specialized center for extracorporeal life support (ECLS), which is a heart-lung bypass machine. He was successfully resuscitated and eventually discharged home after rehabilitation.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Single adult male patient

Evidence Level

Case Report

Key Findings

1
Hypothermia can be a reversible cause of cardiac arrest, even in the UK climate.
2
Prolonged resuscitation efforts, guided by specific hypothermia protocols, can lead to positive outcomes.
3
Access to ECLS-capable centers is crucial for successful rewarming and resuscitation in severe hypothermia cases.

Research Summary

This case report highlights the successful resuscitation of a patient who suffered a hypothermic cardiac arrest after being rescued from a river in the UK. The patient's low core temperature (24°C) necessitated modified resuscitation protocols and transport to an ECLS-capable center. The patient was successfully rewarmed using ECLS, leading to hospital discharge after rehabilitation, despite a hypoxic spinal cord injury.

Practical Implications

Improved Hypothermia Recognition

Clinicians need to be aware that hypothermia-induced cardiac arrest can occur in the UK.

Equipment Considerations

Ambulance services should consider using low-reading thermometers to accurately assess core body temperature in hypothermic patients.

Referral Pathways

Establish clear referral pathways to ECLS-capable centers to ensure timely and appropriate treatment for patients with severe hypothermia.

Surviving an out-of-hospital hypothermic cardiac arrest in the United Kingdom

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Improved Hypothermia Recognition

Equipment Considerations

Referral Pathways

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Surviving an out-of-hospital hypothermic cardiac arrest in the United Kingdom

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Improved Hypothermia Recognition

Equipment Considerations

Referral Pathways

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?