On scene thoracotomy: a case report
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Updated: Oct 22, 2026

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Non-Intubated Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery
Published on: May 26, 2023
1The London Helicopter Emergency Medical Service, Royal London Hospital, UK.
Resuscitation
|May 13, 1999
Abstract:
We report a case of on scene resuscitative thoracotomy performed by an anaesthetist on a patient in cardiac arrest following a stab wound to the chest. The patient made a good recovery and was discharged from hospital within 2 weeks. The rationale for performing resuscitative thoracotomy and who should perform this procedure are discussed.
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