Delayed and intermittent CPR for severe accidental hypothermia

Les Gordon, Peter Paal, John A. Ellerton, Hermann Brugger, Giles J. Peek, Ken Zafren

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

57 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction: Cardiac arrest (CA) in patients with severe accidental hypothermia (core temperature <28. °C) differs from CA in normothermic patients. Maintaining CPR throughout the prehospital period may be impossible, particularly during difficult evacuations. We have developed guidelines for rescuers who are evacuating and treating severely hypothermic CA patients. Methods: A literature search was performed. The authors used the findings to develop guidelines. Results: Full neurological recovery is possible even with prolonged CA if the brain was already severely hypothermic before CA occurred. Data from surgery during deep hypothermic CA and prehospital case reports underline the feasibility of delayed and intermittent CPR in patients who have arrested due to severe hypothermia. Conclusions: Continuous CPR is recommended for CA due to primary severe hypothermia. Mechanical chest-compression devices should be used when available and CPR-interruptions avoided. Only if this is not possible should CPR be delayed or performed intermittently. Based on the available data, a patient with a core temperature <28. °C or unknown with unequivocal hypothermic CA, evidence supports alternating 5. min CPR and ≤5. min without CPR. With core temperature <20. °C, evidence supports alternating 5. min CPR and ≤10. min without CPR.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)46-49
Number of pages4
JournalResuscitation
Volume90
DOIs
StatePublished - May 1 2015
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cardiac arrest
  • Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
  • Emergency medical services
  • Hypothermia
  • Mountain rescue
  • Transportation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Emergency Medicine
  • Emergency
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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