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Recovery of a 62-year-old man from prolonged cold water submersion
A H Chochinov1, B M Baydock, G K Bristow
1Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
Annals of Emergency Medicine
|January 23, 1998
Summary
This case study highlights the rare survival of a 62-year-old man after prolonged cold water immersion. Near-normal initial body temperature suggests preferential brain cooling may aid recovery in adults.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Recovery from cold water immersion is documented in children but rare in adults.
- Previous adult cases involved significant hypothermia (22-32°C) and younger victims (<40 years).
Observation:
- A 62-year-old male experienced 15 minutes of submersion in 2-3°C water.
- He presented in full cardiopulmonary arrest with no vital signs, an agonal ECG, and pH 6.77.
- Initial rectal temperature was near normal (36°C), dropping to 33°C post-rescue.
Findings:
- The patient was resuscitated and treated for myocardial infarction, pulmonary edema, and seizures.
- Despite initial arrest, he was discharged after 27 days with minor neurological deficits.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of adult cold water immersion survival.
- Preferential brain cooling, despite near-normal core temperature, may be a key factor in favorable neurological outcomes.