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Electromechanical dissociation: six years prehospital experience
H A Stueven1, T Aufderheide, E M Waite
1Section of Trauma and Emergency Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53226.
Resuscitation
|April 1, 1989
Summary
Electromechanical dissociation (EMD) affects older adults, with many having prior cardiac conditions. Respiratory events were a common cause for successful resuscitations in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Emergency Medicine
- Prehospital Care
Background:
- Electromechanical dissociation (EMD) is a significant presenting rhythm in prehospital cardiorespiratory arrests.
- Limited data exists on the demographic profile of patients experiencing EMD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a demographic profile of adult patients with prehospital cardiorespiratory arrest due to EMD.
- To analyze historical and resuscitative parameters associated with EMD.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 503 adult patients with EMD from 1980-1985.
- Analysis of demographic data, past medical history, cardiac medications, and resuscitation outcomes.
Main Results:
- Average age was 69.8 years, with 57% males.
- 46% had a cardiac history (e.g., myocardial infarction, CHF), and 43% were on cardiac medications.
- 19% were successfully resuscitated, with 4.4% saved; respiratory events were a probable primary etiology in over 50% of survivors.
Conclusions:
- Patients with EMD are typically older adults with significant cardiac histories.
- Respiratory events may be an underrecognized cause of EMD and a target for improved resuscitation outcomes.
- Further research into EMD demographics and etiology is warranted.