Successful resuscitation of a patient in asystole after a TASER injury using a hypothermia protocol.

Abstract

New studies have shown the benefit of initiating a hypothermia protocol in the survivors of cardiac arrest. Although the data have shown an improved neurologic end point in patients initially in ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia, there is still debate about whether patients initially in other rhythms would benefit from hypothermia after return of spontaneous circulation. This is a report of a 17-year-old male found to be in asystole after sustaining a TASER injury, who was treated with a hypothermia protocol after return of spontaneous circulation and left the hospital with intact neurologic function.

• Authors: Evan S Schwarz, Michael Barra, Michael M Liao
• Journal: The American journal of emergency medicine (Am J Emerg Med) Vol. 27 Issue 4 Pg. 515.e1-2 (May 2009) ISSN: 1532-8171 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 19555635 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adolescent
• Electric Injuries (etiology, therapy)
• Heart Arrest (etiology, therapy)
• Humans
• Hypothermia, Induced
• Hypoxia, Brain (prevention & control)
• Male
• Weapons