Download includes Hypothermia - Australian Resuscitation Council

Special Circumstances Workshop
Hypothermia/Immersion
Special Circumstances Workshops
Cardiac arrest due to Immersion / Submersion
(includes Hypothermia)
Key teaching objectives
By the end of this session the candidate will:
• Know what is meant by immersion and submersion
• Be able to define hypothermia
• Recognise the associated risk of hypothermia
• Know how to manage a patient who has been the victim of
immersion / submersion
• Understand the different methods of rewarming
• Know what actions are needed in addition to standard ALS
• Appreciate the potential for prolonged resuscitation
Scenario
I:
Ambulance alert call.
S: 22 year old man in cardiac arrest CPR is continued en route
B: Found floating face down in a in a pool. Was pulled from the water by friends
and BLS commenced
A: A: Unable to intubate him. OPA inserted
B: Ventilation via self inflating bag
C: PEA Arrest – ECG = regular electrical complexes at a rate of 34 min-1, P &
BP absent
D: AVPU, Unknown if taken any drugs/medications. No drugs given
E: Cold to touch, rectal temperature 28°C, pupils unreactive to light.
R: Please prepare for patient
What action will you take?
Scenario (continued)
The patient is promptly intubated and the cardiac
rhythm changes to ventricular fibrillation.
What will you do now?
Scenario (continued)
The patient is rewarmed to 33°C and the cardiac
rhythm changes to atrial fibrillation with ROSC
What will you do now?
Scenario (continued)
Any questions?
Advanced Life Support Course
Slide set
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