THE VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA, EMS Department is bringing what has been an ER treatment out to the field. The treatment known as “therapeutic hypothermia” has been in use successfully for about 4 years in hospitals world-wide on patients that had suffered cardiac arrest. If, and after, a patient that had been in arrest has been rescusitated, the patient is then chilled down to 93º, thus effectively slowing the heart rate down to lessen the immediate need for more oxygen and preserving the organs.
In the ER the procedure to “ice” the patient is accomplished with electric-powered chilling pads. Beginning in the Spring of 2010 the Virginia Beach ambulances will begin carrying portable chillers that will begin the treatment right away in the field and thus improve the patient’s odds for recovery.
This excellent video report from WVEC-TV explains the treatment and shows the units that will be carried on the rescue units:
Hospital trials have successfully decreased mortality rates from MI event by as much as 50%.
For more information on Therapeutic Hypothermia, read:
The Medical News HERE.
Reuters report from the Minneapolis Heart Institute HERE.
The Heart.org report HERE.
Virginia Beach Dept. of EMS WEBSITE.
As a Virginia Beach responder, I am glad to see that we are remaining on the front lines of emergency medicine by bringing this capability to our patients. As an all volunteer system, we strive to stay up to date. This is one more way that we will be able to continue to serve the public interest.
Don't be shocked to see this come out as a treatment for certain types of spinal injuries as well. I remember watching a program on the Discover Channel about these new protocols.
Don't be shocked to see this come out as a treatment for certain types of spinal injuries as well. I remember watching a program on the Discover Channel about these new protocols.
Don't be shocked to see this come out as a treatment for certain types of spinal injuries as well. I remember watching a program on the Discover Channel about these new protocols.