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Resuscitation of a Pediatric Drowning in Hypothermic Cardiac Arrest

Brendan N Dragann1, Eric M Melnychuk1, Christopher J Wilson1

  • 1Department of Emergency Medicine, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, PA.

Air Medical Journal
|March 30, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Successful prolonged resuscitation of a pediatric patient with hypothermic cardiac arrest after ice water drowning was achieved. This case highlights the potential for full neurologic recovery, challenging existing emergency medical service protocols for interfacility transfer.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric critical care medicine
  • Emergency medicine
  • Cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Background:

  • Prognosis for pediatric patients with hypothermic cardiac arrest post-drowning is typically guarded.
  • Current emergency medical service protocols often restrict interfacility transfer of patients in hypothermic cardiac arrest.

Observation:

  • A pediatric patient experienced hypothermic cardiac arrest following ice water drowning.
  • The patient presented with severe metabolic derangements requiring prolonged resuscitation efforts.

Findings:

  • Successful prolonged resuscitation was achieved without extracorporeal rewarming or mechanical cardiac support.
  • The patient experienced a rapid and full neurologic recovery.

Implications:

  • This case suggests that current emergency medical service transfer policies for hypothermic cardiac arrest may need revision.
  • It underscores the potential for favorable outcomes in select pediatric drowning cases with prolonged resuscitation.

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