[A case of total spinal anaesthesia in pre-hospital emergency care]

We report on a very rare case of pre-hospital total spinal anaesthesia. In addition to initial management, other possible complications of paravertebral injections are discussed. The identification of symptoms and an immediately initiated life-saving therapy can avoid the necessity of introducing extensive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Patients who are adequately treated usually return to their former state of health. Specific medical training of physicians using paravertebral infiltration techniques is mandatory to treat side-effects appropriately. Immediate personal and instrumental measures must be taken for granted to prevent an adverse outcome.