Adult Hypothermic Cardiac Arrest

Question 1

Adult Hypothermic Arrest - PEA/Asystole

Answer 1

CPR
Prevent further heat loss
Epi - max of 3 - double administration times

Question 2

Adult Hypothermic Arrest - VF or VT

Answer 2

360J defibrillation to max of 3 shocks
Epi - max of 3 - double administration times

Question 3

Adult Hypothermic Arrest - Additional considerations to care

Answer 3

Passive rewarming
Maintain horizontal position
Avoid rough handling

Question 4

Adult Hypothermic Arrest - Medication considerations

Answer 4

Follow appropriate protocol but double administration times

Epi max of 3 mg

Question 5

Adult Hypothermic Arrest - Pulse and breathing check duration

Answer 5

60 sec

Question 6

Adult Hypothermic Arrest - Passive rewarming techniques

Answer 6

removing wet clothing
blankets
temperature in the ambulance

Question 7

Adult Hypothermic Arrest - Which signs of death are not valid in this environment

Answer 7

Fixed pupils and Rigor Mortis

stiffness resembling rigor mortis

Question 8

Adult Hypothermic Arrest - ECMO bypass considerations

Answer 8

Hypothermia presumed cause of arrest
No signs of obvious irreversible death
No avalanche burial >35 minutes with an airway packed with snow
The airway is patent

Question 9

Adult Hypothermic Arrest - Facilities with ECMO capability

Answer 9

ACH
FMC
U of A