Special Circumstances Workshop Hypothermia/Immersion

Special Circumstances Workshops Cardiac arrest due to Immersion / Submersion (includes Hypothermia) Key teaching objectives By the end of this session the candidate will: Know what is meant by immersion and submersion Be able to define hypothermia Recognise the associated risk of hypothermia Know how to manage a patient who has been the victim of immersion / submersion Understand the different methods of rewarming Know what actions are needed in addition to standard ALS Appreciate the potential for prolonged resuscitation

Scenario On an evening in May, a 22 year old man is found floating face down in a neighbour’s outdoor swimming pool. He is pulled from the water by friends and one of them starts BLS. An ambulance is called. On arrival, the paramedics confirm cardiac arrest and the ECG shows regular electrical complexes at a rate of 34 min -1. They are unable to intubate him. CPR is continued en route to hospital. On arrival in the Emergency Department his vital signs are: P & BP absent, rectal temperature 28°C, pupils unreactive to light. What action will you take?

Scenario (continued) The patient is intubated and the cardiac rhythm changes firstly to atrial fibrillation followed rapidly by ventricular fibrillation. What will you do now?

Scenario (continued)

Any questions?

Advanced Life Support Course Slide set All rights reserved ©Australian Resuscitation Council and Resuscitation Council (UK) 2010