and rush of a patient in cardiac arrest. Trying to bring dead back to life is not a simple task by far, especially with the limitations and resources of the field. But, what happens after the patient makes it to definitive care? Annually, around 300,000 adults in the United States experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (AHA), and EMS providers only see the results of the short term survival of the patient, but rarely the actual patient care and recovery after an arrest. Patients undergo intense
Theraputic Hypothermia Hypothermia, defined as a core body temperature less than 95 °F(35°C) occurs when heat loss exceeds the body’s heat production. (Ruffolo p.47) Thermal stability in humans depends on the body’s ability to adapt to changes in internal and external temperatures. Heat is transferred throughout tissues and fat, and is released at a rate directly related to the temperature of the environment through radiation, conduction, convection, and evaporation.
When is the best time to start cooling? Basically, the treatment of therapeutic hypothermia can be separated into three parts: induction, maintenance and rewarming (Walters et al., 2011). The process of hypothermia induction if often questioned. Is there an optimal time to begin mild therapeutic hypothermia that brings the most benefit? The data from the past experiments suggest that mild therapeutic hypothermia should be commenced within a short time from clinical comprehensive evaluation that suggests
The evidence surrounding the topic of therapeutic hypothermia post cardiac arrest is one lathered in potentially advantageous benefits, as well as harmful side effects. Although this procedure has potentially lifesaving and neurologically preserving implications, it does come with various side effects which can be dangerous in general or if left untreated. This paper will first address the many benefits, some of which include prolongation of life, retention of neurological function. It will then
increasing in the United States, and around the world. Sudden cardiac arrest, the primary cause of death related to ischemic heart disease, is now the leading cause of death worldwide (Weng & Sun, 2012). Of the more than 300,000 patients who suffer sudden cardiac arrest in the United States each year, only 7.9% survive to hospital discharge (Weng & Sun, 2012). Lilja, et al. (2015) report that despite recent improvements in methods of cardiac resuscitation, severe and often permanent brain injury remains
day of sudden cardiac arrest (MI), or 250,000 every year, as many as 50,000 lives could be saved each year if certain critical interventions were made. (Freeman , 50) A patient who receives early life support measures and defibrillation within one to five minutes of arrest is much more likely to live and to retain normal brain function. The brain is often at a serious risk for irreparable brain damage related to anoxia and many other co-morbidities that are associated with cardiac arrest (MI). When
Cardiac arrest is a huge problem for the American public. According to the American heart association cardiac arrest kills around 200,000 to 300,000 people each year. There are numerous studies on ways to increase the survival rates and overall outcomes of these patients. Therapeutic hypothermia is one of the new and upcoming studies for post cardiac arrest care. It is used in various EMS agencies worldwide. It has shown significant improvements in patient’s outcome and reduced neurological deficits
Introduction Hypothermia protocol for the post cardiac arrest patient has been an evidence based practice of this therapy for about a decade now. This intervention, often used in the critical care setting, is now expanding to primary emergency responders as well. This paper will present some of the notable research that has been done on therapeutic hypothermia, and current use of this intervention. Control studies, animal studies, and case studies have been published related to these medical
The incidence of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in the United States is estimated to be approximately 450,000.1 When occurring out-of-hospital, the majority of these cases are fatal.2 If return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) is attained, only 8.3% of all patients who experience SCA have a favorable neurologic outcome.2 It has been shown that without perfusion to the brain for five minutes, ischemia produces the release of inflammatory mediators that ultimately result in cerebral injury.3 Almost three
* Patients with mild hypothermia (93.2º F-96.8º F [34º C-36º C]) have shivering, lethargy, confusion, rational to irrational behavior, and minor heart rate changes. * Moderate hypothermia (86º F-93.2º F [30º C-34º C]) causes rigidity, bradycardia, slowed respiratory rate, blood pressure only by Doppler, metabolic and respiratory acidosis, and hypovolemia. Shivering diminishes or disappears at temperatures ≤86º F (30º C). * Severe hypothermia (<86º F [30º C]) is a severe