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Van Tilburg C, Paal P, Strapazzon G, Grissom CK, Haegeli P, Hölzl N, McIntosh S, Radwin M, Smith WWR, Thomas S, Tremper B, Weber D, Wheeler AR, Zafren K, Brugger H. Wilderness Medical Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for Prevention and Management of Avalanche and Nonavalanche Snow Burial Accidents: 2024 Update. Wilderness Environ Med 2024; 35:20S-44S. [PMID: 37945433 DOI: 10.1016/j.wem.2023.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
To provide guidance to the general public, clinicians, and avalanche professionals about best practices, the Wilderness Medical Society convened an expert panel to revise the evidence-based guidelines for the prevention, rescue, and resuscitation of avalanche and nonavalanche snow burial victims. The original panel authored the Wilderness Medical Society Practice Guidelines for Prevention and Management of Avalanche and Nonavalanche Snow Burial Accidents in 2017. A second panel was convened to update these guidelines and make recommendations based on quality of supporting evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Van Tilburg
- Occupational Medicine, Mountain Clinic, and Emergency Medicine, Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital, Hood River, OR
- Mountain Rescue Association, San Diego, CA
- International Commission for Alpine Rescue
| | - Peter Paal
- International Commission for Alpine Rescue
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, St. John of God Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Giacomo Strapazzon
- International Commission for Alpine Rescue
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, University Hospital Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Colin K Grissom
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Intermountain Medical Center, Murray, UT
| | | | - Natalie Hölzl
- International Commission for Alpine Rescue
- German Association of Mountain and Expedition Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - Scott McIntosh
- International Commission for Alpine Rescue
- Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, UT
| | | | - William Will R Smith
- Mountain Rescue Association, San Diego, CA
- International Commission for Alpine Rescue
- Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, UT
- Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Johns Health, Jackson, WY
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
| | - Stephanie Thomas
- Mountain Rescue Association, San Diego, CA
- International Commission for Alpine Rescue
| | | | - David Weber
- Intermountain Life Flight, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Albert R Wheeler
- Mountain Rescue Association, San Diego, CA
- International Commission for Alpine Rescue
- Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, UT
- Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Johns Health, Jackson, WY
| | - Ken Zafren
- International Commission for Alpine Rescue
- Himalayan Rescue Association, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Hermann Brugger
- International Commission for Alpine Rescue
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, University Hospital Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy
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Genswein M, Macias D, McIntosh S, Reiweger I, Hetland A, Paal P. AvaLife-A New Multi-Disciplinary Approach Supported by Accident and Field Test Data to Optimize Survival Chances in Rescue and First Aid of Avalanche Patients. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095257. [PMID: 35564653 PMCID: PMC9104102 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Snow sports in the backcountry have seen a steep increase in popularity, and therefore preparedness for efficient companion and organized rescue is important. While technical rescue skills are widely taught, there is a lack of knowledge regarding first aid for avalanche patients. The stressful and time-critical situation for first responders requires a rule-based decision support tool. AvaLife has been designed from scratch, applying mathematical and statistical approaches including Monte Carlo simulations. New analysis of retrospective data and large prospective field test datasets were used to develop evidence-based algorithms exclusively for the avalanche rescue environment. AvaLife differs from other algorithms as it is not just a general-purpose CPR algorithm which has been slightly adapted for the avalanche patient. The sequence of actions, inclusion of the ≥150 cm burial depth triage criterion, advice to limit CPR duration for normothermic patients to 6 min in case of multiple burials and shortage of resources, criteria for using recovered subjects as a resource in the ongoing rescue, the adapted definition of "injuries incompatible with life", reasoning behind the utmost importance of rescue breaths, as well as the updated BLS-iCPR algorithm make AvaLife useful in single and multiple burial rescue. AvaLife is available as a companion rescue basic life support (BLS) version for the recreational user and an advanced companion and organized rescue BLS version for guides, ski patrols and mountain rescuers. AvaLife allows seamless interoperability with advanced life support (ALS) qualified medical personnel arriving on site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Genswein
- MountainSafety.info, 7260 Davos, Switzerland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-79-236-36-76
| | - Darryl Macias
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of New Mexico, International Mountain Medicine Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA;
| | - Scott McIntosh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Utah Health, AirMed, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA;
| | - Ingrid Reiweger
- Institute of Mountain Risk Engineering, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, 1190 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Audun Hetland
- CARE Center for Avalanche Research and Education, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, 9010 Tromsø, Norway;
| | - Peter Paal
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. John of God Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University, 5010 Salzburg, Austria;
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On-Site Medical Management of Avalanche Victims-A Narrative Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph181910234. [PMID: 34639535 PMCID: PMC8507645 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Avalanche accidents are common in mountain regions and approximately 100 fatalities are counted in Europe each year. The average mortality rate is about 25% and survival chances are mainly determined by the degree and duration of avalanche burial, the patency of the airway, the presence of an air pocket, snow characteristics, and the severity of traumatic injuries. The most common cause of death in completely buried avalanche victims is asphyxia followed by trauma. Hypothermia accounts for a minority of deaths; however, hypothermic cardiac arrest has a favorable prognosis and prolonged resuscitation and extracorporeal rewarming are indicated. In this article, we give an overview on the pathophysiology and on-site management of avalanche victims.
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Kottmann A, Pasquier M, Strapazzon G, Zafren K, Ellerton J, Paal P. Quality Indicators for Avalanche Victim Management and Rescue. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18189570. [PMID: 34574495 PMCID: PMC8464975 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Decisions in the management and rescue of avalanche victims are complex and must be made in difficult, sometimes dangerous, environments. Our goal was to identify indicators for quality measurement in the management and rescue of avalanche victims. The International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MedCom) convened a group of internal and external experts. We used brainstorming and a five-round modified nominal group technique to identify the most relevant quality indicators (QIs) according to the National Quality Forum Measure Evaluation Criteria. Using a consensus process, we identified a set of 23 QIs to measure the quality of the management and rescue of avalanche victims. These QIs may be a valuable tool for continuous quality improvement. They allow objective feedback to rescuers regarding clinical performance and identify areas that should be the foci of further quality improvement efforts in avalanche rescue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Kottmann
- Rega—Swiss Air Ambulance, Zürich Airport, 8058 Zürich, Switzerland
- Emergency Department, Lausanne University Hospital, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland;
- International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MedCom), 8058 Zürich, Switzerland; (G.S.); (K.Z.); (J.E.); (P.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Mathieu Pasquier
- Emergency Department, Lausanne University Hospital, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland;
- International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MedCom), 8058 Zürich, Switzerland; (G.S.); (K.Z.); (J.E.); (P.P.)
| | - Giacomo Strapazzon
- International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MedCom), 8058 Zürich, Switzerland; (G.S.); (K.Z.); (J.E.); (P.P.)
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
- CNSAS—Corpo Nazionale Soccorso Alpino e Speleologico, National Medical School, 20124 Milano, Italy
| | - Ken Zafren
- International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MedCom), 8058 Zürich, Switzerland; (G.S.); (K.Z.); (J.E.); (P.P.)
- Alaska Native Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, 4300 Diplomacy Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
- Stanford University Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, 900 Welch Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - John Ellerton
- International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MedCom), 8058 Zürich, Switzerland; (G.S.); (K.Z.); (J.E.); (P.P.)
| | - Peter Paal
- International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MedCom), 8058 Zürich, Switzerland; (G.S.); (K.Z.); (J.E.); (P.P.)
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, St. John of God Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University, Kajetanerplatz 1, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
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Eidenbenz D, Techel F, Kottmann A, Rousson V, Carron PN, Albrecht R, Pasquier M. Survival probability in avalanche victims with long burial (≥60 min): A retrospective study. Resuscitation 2021; 166:93-100. [PMID: 34107337 DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2021.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The survival of completely buried victims in an avalanche mainly depends on burial duration. Knowledge is limited about survival probability after 60 min of complete burial. AIM We aimed to study the survival probability and prehospital characteristics of avalanche victims with long burial durations. METHODS We retrospectively included all completely buried avalanche victims with a burial duration of ≥60 min between 1997 and 2018 in Switzerland. Data were extracted from the registry of the Swiss Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research and the prehospital medical records of the physician-staffed helicopter emergency medical services. Avalanche victims buried for ≥24 h or with an unknown survival status were excluded. Survival probability was estimated by using the non-parametric Ayer-Turnbull method and logistic regression. The primary outcome was survival probability. RESULTS We identified 140 avalanche victims with a burial duration of ≥60 min, of whom 27 (19%) survived. Survival probability shows a slight decrease with increasing burial duration (23% after 60 min, to <6% after 1400 min, p = 0.13). Burial depth was deeper for those who died (100 cm vs 70 cm, p = 0.008). None of the survivors sustained CA during the prehospital phase. CONCLUSIONS The overall survival rate of 19% for completely buried avalanche victims with a long burial duration illustrates the importance of continuing rescue efforts. Avalanche victims in CA after long burial duration without obstructed airway, frozen body or obvious lethal trauma should be considered to be in hypothermic CA, with initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and an evaluation for rewarming with extracorporeal life support.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Eidenbenz
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 21, BH 09, CHUV, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Frank Techel
- WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, Flüelastrasse 11, 7260 Davos-Dorf, Switzerland.
| | - Alexandre Kottmann
- Swiss Air Ambulance - Rega and Emergency Department, Lausanne University Hospital, P.O. Box 1414, 8058 Zürich Airport, Switzerland.
| | - Valentin Rousson
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), route de Berne 113, 1010 Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Pierre-Nicolas Carron
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 21, BH 09, CHUV, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Roland Albrecht
- Swiss Air Ambulance - Rega, P.O. Box 1414, 8058 Zürich Airport, Switzerland.
| | - Mathieu Pasquier
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 21, BH 09, CHUV, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Strapazzon G, Schweizer J, Chiambretti I, Brodmann Maeder M, Brugger H, Zafren K. Effects of Climate Change on Avalanche Accidents and Survival. Front Physiol 2021; 12:639433. [PMID: 33912070 PMCID: PMC8072472 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.639433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Avalanches are major natural hazards in snow-covered mountains, threatening people and infrastructure. With ongoing climate change, the frequency and types of snow avalanches may change, affecting the rates of avalanche burial and survival. With a wetter and warmer snow climate, consequences of burial may become more severe. In this review, we assess the potential effects of climate change on the frequency and characteristics of avalanches. We then discuss how these changes might affect the survival rates of subjects buried by avalanches and might influence the responses of search and rescue (SAR) teams and health care providers. While climate change is inevitable, the effects on avalanches remain elusive. The frequency of human triggered avalanches may not change, because this depends largely on the number and behavior of winter recreationists. Blunt trauma and secondary injuries will likely become more frequent as terrain roughness is expected to rise and snow cover to become thinner. Higher snow densities in avalanche debris will likely interfere with the respiration of completely buried victims. Asphyxia and trauma, as causes of avalanche death, may increase. It is unlikely that SAR and health care providers involved in avalanche rescue will have to change their strategies in areas where they are already established. The effects of climate change might foster the expansion of mitigation strategies and the establishment of mountain rescue services in areas subject to increased avalanche hazards caused by changes in snow cover and land use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Strapazzon
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy.,International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MedCom), Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Jürg Schweizer
- WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, Davos, Switzerland
| | - Igor Chiambretti
- AINEVA Interregional Association for Coordination and Documentation of Snow and Avalanche Problems, Trento, Italy
| | - Monika Brodmann Maeder
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy.,Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital University Hospital Bern and Bern University, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hermann Brugger
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy.,International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MedCom), Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ken Zafren
- International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MedCom), Zürich, Switzerland.,Department of Emergency Medicine, Alaska Native Medical Center, Anchorage, AK, United States.,Department of Emergency Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA, United States
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Avalanche airbag post-burial active deflation - The ability to create an air pocket to delay asphyxiation and prolong survival. Resuscitation 2019; 146:155-160. [PMID: 31812665 DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2019.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2019] [Revised: 11/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
AIM The primary purpose of an avalanche airbag is to prevent burial during an avalanche. Approximately twenty percent of avalanche victims deploying airbags become critically buried, however. One avalanche airbag actively deflates three minutes after deployment, potentially creating an air pocket. Our objective was to evaluate this air pocket and its potential to prevent asphyxiation. METHODS Twelve participants were fitted with an airbag and placed prone on the snow. Participants deployed the airbag and were buried in 1.5 m of snow for 60 min with vital signs including oxygen saturation (SpO2) and end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2) measured every minute. Participants completed a post-burial survey to determine head movement within the air pocket. RESULTS Eleven of the 12 participants (92%) completed 60 min of burial. Preburial baseline SpO2 measurements did not change significantly over burial time (P > 0.05). Preburial baseline ETCO2 measurements increased over the burial time (P < 0.02); only one ETCO2 value was outside of the normal ETCO2 range (35-45 mmHg). Participants reported they could move their head forward 11.2 cm (SD 4.8 cm) and backward 6.6 cm (SD 5.1 cm) with the majority of participants stated that they had enough head movement to separate the oral cavity from opposing snow if necessary. Visual examination during extrication revealed a well-defined air pocket in all burials. CONCLUSION The avalanche airbag under study creates an air pocket that appears to delay asphyxia, which could allow extra time for rescue and improve overall survival of avalanche victims.
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Brugger H, Bouzat P, Pasquier M, Mair P, Fieler J, Darocha T, Blancher M, de Riedmatten M, Falk M, Paal P, Strapazzon G, Zafren K, Brodmann Maeder M. Cut-off values of serum potassium and core temperature at hospital admission for extracorporeal rewarming of avalanche victims in cardiac arrest: A retrospective multi-centre study. Resuscitation 2019; 139:222-229. [PMID: 31022496 DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2019.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
AIM Evidence of existing guidelines for the on-site triage of avalanche victims is limited and adherence suboptimal. This study attempted to find reliable cut-off values for the identification of hypothermic avalanche victims with reversible out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) at hospital admission. This may enable hospitals to allocate extracorporeal life support (ECLS) resources more appropriately while increasing the proportion of survivors among rewarmed victims. METHODS All avalanche victims with OHCA admitted to seven centres in Europe capable of ECLS from 1995 to 2016 were included. Optimal cut-off values, for parameters identified by logistic regression, were determined by means of bootstrapping and exact binomial distribution and served to calculate sensitivity, rate of overtriage, positive and negative predictive values, and receiver operating curves. RESULTS In total, 103 avalanche victims with OHCA were included. Of the 103 patients 61 (58%) were rewarmed by ECLS. Six (10%) of the rewarmed patients survived whilst 55 (90%) died. We obtained optimal cut-off values of 7 mmol/L for serum potassium and 30 °C for core temperature. CONCLUSION For in-hospital triage of avalanche victims admitted with OHCA, serum potassium accurately predicts survival. The combination of the cut-offs 7 mmol/L for serum potassium and 30 °C for core temperature achieved the lowest overtriage rate (47%) and the highest positive predictive value (19%), with a sensitivity of 100% for survivors. The presence of vital signs at extrication is strongly associated with survival. For further optimisation of in-hospital triage, larger datasets are needed to include additional parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hermann Brugger
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, EURAC research, Drususallee 1, 39100 Bolzano, Italy; Medical University Innsbruck, Austria; International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine ICAR MEDCOM.
| | - Pierre Bouzat
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, Grenoble Alps Trauma Center, University Hospital of Grenoble- Alpes, 38043 Grenoble Cedex 09, France.
| | - Mathieu Pasquier
- International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine ICAR MEDCOM; Emergency Service, Lausanne University Hospital Center, BH 09, CHUV, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Peter Mair
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Julia Fieler
- International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine ICAR MEDCOM; Division of Surgical Medicine and Intensive Care, University hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway; Anaesthesia and critical care research group, The Artic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Tomasz Darocha
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Medical University of Silesia, Medykow 14, 40-752 Katowice, Poland.
| | - Marc Blancher
- International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine ICAR MEDCOM; Department of Emergency Medicine, University Hospital of Grenoble-Alpes, France; French Mountain Rescue Association ANMSM, 38043 Grenoble Cedex 09, France.
| | | | - Markus Falk
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, EURAC research, Drususallee 1, 39100 Bolzano, Italy.
| | - Peter Paal
- International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine ICAR MEDCOM; Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Hospitallers Brothers Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University, Kajetanerplatz 1, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Giacomo Strapazzon
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, EURAC research, Drususallee 1, 39100 Bolzano, Italy; International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine ICAR MEDCOM.
| | - Ken Zafren
- International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine ICAR MEDCOM; Department of Emergency Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA.
| | - Monika Brodmann Maeder
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, EURAC research, Drususallee 1, 39100 Bolzano, Italy; Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 16C, 3010 Bern, Switzerland.
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Strapazzon G, Brugger H. On-Site Treatment of Snow Avalanche Victims: From Bench to Mountainside. High Alt Med Biol 2018; 19:307-315. [PMID: 30183350 DOI: 10.1089/ham.2018.0036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The number of avalanche accidents involving winter recreationists has notably increased in recent decades due to the increasing popularity of outdoor winter activities. The International Liaison Committee on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, the International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR Medcom), and the Wilderness Medical Society have recently published evidenced-based recommendations for the on-site treatment of snow avalanche victims. Despite these recommendations, recent studies found poor knowledge and compliance by both healthcare providers and laypersons. The aim of this nonsystematic review is to provide an updated overview of avalanche accident epidemiology, to present recent advances in snow avalanche pathophysiology, and to discuss recent advancements in on-site treatment of snow avalanche victims.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Strapazzon
- 1 Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine , Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy .,2 International Commission of Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR Medcom) , Kloten, Switzerland
| | - Hermann Brugger
- 1 Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine , Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy .,2 International Commission of Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR Medcom) , Kloten, Switzerland
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Prehospital management and outcome of avalanche patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a retrospective study in Tyrol, Austria. Eur J Emerg Med 2018; 24:398-403. [PMID: 26990382 DOI: 10.1097/mej.0000000000000390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study is to describe the prehospital management and outcome of avalanche patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Tyrol, Austria, for the first time since the introduction of international guidelines in 1996. PATIENTS AND METHODS This study involved a retrospective analysis of all avalanche accidents involving out-of-hospital cardiac arrest between 1996 and 2009 in Tyrol, Austria. RESULTS A total of 170 completely buried avalanche patients were included. Twenty-eight victims were declared dead at the scene. Of 34 patients with short burial, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was performed in 27 (79%); 15 of these patients (56%) were transported to hospital with ongoing CPR and four patients were rewarmed with extracorporeal circulation; no patient survived. Of 108 patients with long burial, 49 patients had patent or unknown airway status; CPR was performed in 25 of these patients (51%) and 14 patients (29%) were transported to hospital. Four patients were rewarmed, but only one patient with witnessed cardiac arrest survived. Since the introduction of guidelines in 1996, there has been a marginally significant increase in the rate of documenting airway assessment, but no change in documenting the duration of burial or CPR. CONCLUSION CPR is continued to hospital admission in patients with short burial and asphyxial cardiac arrest, but withheld or terminated at the scene in patients with long burial and possible hypothermic cardiac arrest. Insufficient transfer of information from the accident site to the hospital may partially explain the poor outcome of avalanche victims with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest treated with emergency cardiac care.
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Kottmann A, Carron PN, Theiler L, Albrecht R, Tissi M, Pasquier M. Identification of the technical and medical requirements for HEMS avalanche rescue missions through a 15-year retrospective analysis in a HEMS in Switzerland: a necessary step for quality improvement. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2018; 26:54. [PMID: 29973290 PMCID: PMC6033290 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-018-0520-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Avalanche rescues mostly rely on helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) and include technical rescue and complex medical situations under difficult conditions. The adequacy of avalanche victim management has been shown to be unexpectedly low, suggesting the need for quality improvement. We analyse the technical rescue and medical competency requirements of HEMS crewmembers for avalanche rescue missions, as well as their clinical exposure. The study aims to identify areas that should be the focus of future quality improvement efforts. METHODS This 15-year retrospective study of avalanche rescue by the Swiss HEMS Rega includes all missions where at least one patient had been caught by an avalanche, found within 24 h of the alarm being raised, and transported. RESULTS Our analyses included 422 missions (596 patients). Crews were frequently confronted with technical rescue aspects, including winching (29%) and patient location and extrication (48%), as well as multiple casualty accidents (32%). Forty-seven percent of the patients suffered potential or overt vital threat; 29% were in cardiac arrest. The on-site medical management of the victims required a large array of basic and advanced medical skills. Clinical exposure was low, as 56% of the physicians were involved in only one avalanche rescue mission over the study period. CONCLUSIONS Our data provide a solid baseline measure and valuable starting point for improving our understanding of the challenges encountered during avalanche rescue missions. We further suggest QI interventions, that might be immediately useful for HEMS operating under similar settings. A coordinated approach using a consensus process to determine quality indicators and a minimal dataset for the specific setting of avalanche rescue would be the logical next step.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Kottmann
- Emergency Department, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Air Ambulance, Rega, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Lorenz Theiler
- Swiss Air Ambulance, Rega, Zürich, Switzerland
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Mario Tissi
- Swiss Air Ambulance, Rega, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Mathieu Pasquier
- Emergency Department, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Strapazzon G, Migliaccio D, Fontana D, Stawinoga AE, Milani M, Brugger H. Knowledge of the Avalanche Victim Resuscitation Checklist and Utility of a Standardized Lecture in Italy. Wilderness Environ Med 2018; 29:56-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wem.2017.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Revised: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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13
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Blancher M, Albasini F, Elsensohn F, Zafren K, Hölzl N, McLaughlin K, Wheeler AR, Roy S, Brugger H, Greene M, Paal P. Management of Multi-Casualty Incidents in Mountain Rescue: Evidence-Based Guidelines of the International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MEDCOM). High Alt Med Biol 2018; 19:131-140. [PMID: 29446647 PMCID: PMC6014052 DOI: 10.1089/ham.2017.0143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Blancher, Marc, François Albasini, Fidel Elsensohn, Ken Zafren, Natalie Hölzl, Kyle McLaughlin, Albert R. Wheeler III, Steven Roy, Hermann Brugger, Mike Greene, and Peter Paal. Management of multi-casualty incidents in mountain rescue: Evidence-based guidelines of the International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MEDCOM). High Alt Med Biol. 19:131–140, 2018. Introduction: Multi-Casualty Incidents (MCI) occur in mountain areas. Little is known about the incidence and character of such events, and the kind of rescue response. Therefore, the International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MEDCOM) set out to provide recommendations for the management of MCI in mountain areas. Materials and Methods: Details of MCI occurring in mountain areas related to mountaineering activities and involving organized mountain rescue were collected. A literature search using (1) PubMed, (2) national mountain rescue registries, and (3) lay press articles on the internet was performed. The results were analyzed with respect to specific aspects of mountain rescue. Results: We identified 198 MCIs that have occurred in mountain areas since 1956: 137 avalanches, 38 ski lift accidents, and 23 other events, including lightning injuries, landslides, volcanic eruptions, lost groups of people, and water-related accidents. Discussion: General knowledge on MCI management is required. Due to specific aspects of triage and management, the approach to MCIs may differ between those in mountain areas and those in urban settings. Conclusions: Mountain rescue teams should be prepared to manage MCIs. Knowledge should be reviewed and training performed regularly. Cooperation between terrestrial rescue services, avalanche safety authorities, and helicopter crews is critical to successful management of MCIs in mountain areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Blancher
- 1 Department of Emergency Medicine, University Hospital of Grenoble-Alps , Grenoble, France .,2 The French Mountain Rescue Association (ANMSM) , Grenoble, France
| | - François Albasini
- 2 The French Mountain Rescue Association (ANMSM) , Grenoble, France .,3 Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Jean de Maurienne Hospital , St. Jean de Maurienne, France
| | | | - Ken Zafren
- 4 ICAR MedCom , Roethis, Austria .,5 Department of Emergency Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center , Stanford, California.,6 Alaska Mountain Rescue Group , Anchorage, Alaska
| | - Natalie Hölzl
- 7 Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Klinikum Kempten, Germany
| | - Kyle McLaughlin
- 8 Department of Emergency Medicine, Canmore, Canada .,9 Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Calgary , Calgary, Canada
| | - Albert R Wheeler
- 10 Department of Emergency Medicine, St John's Medical Center , Jackson, Wyoming.,11 Search and Rescue Medical Director, Grand Teton National Park , Jackson, Wyoming
| | - Steven Roy
- 12 Quebec Secours SAR, Resident Physician Elective in Wilderness Medicine, McGill University , Montreal, Canada
| | - Hermann Brugger
- 13 Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine , EURAC Research, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Mike Greene
- 14 Emergency Medicine Physician, Medical Officer Mountain Rescue England and Wales , Whitehaven, England
| | - Peter Paal
- 15 Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Hospitallers Brothers Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University , Salzburg, Austria
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Cohen JG, Grenier F, D'Alnoncourt S, Reymond E, Blancher M, Peoc’h M, Scolan V, Ferretti G, Bouzat P. Asphyxia after complete avalanche burial: A new paradigm. Resuscitation 2017; 118:e1-e2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2017.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Avalanche Victim Resuscitation Checklist adaption to the 2015 ERC Resuscitation guidelines. Resuscitation 2017; 113:e3-e4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2017.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2016] [Accepted: 01/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Van Tilburg C, Grissom CK, Zafren K, McIntosh S, Radwin MI, Paal P, Haegeli P, Smith WWR, Wheeler AR, Weber D, Tremper B, Brugger H. Wilderness Medical Society Practice Guidelines for Prevention and Management of Avalanche and Nonavalanche Snow Burial Accidents. Wilderness Environ Med 2017; 28:23-42. [PMID: 28257714 DOI: 10.1016/j.wem.2016.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Revised: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
To provide guidance to clinicians and avalanche professionals about best practices, the Wilderness Medical Society convened an expert panel to develop evidence-based guidelines for the prevention, rescue, and medical management of avalanche and nonavalanche snow burial victims. Recommendations are graded on the basis of quality of supporting evidence according to the classification scheme of the American College of Chest Physicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Van Tilburg
- Occupational, Travel, and Emergency Medicine Departments, Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital, Hood River, OR (Dr Van Tilburg); Mountain Rescue Association, San Diego, CA (Drs Van Tilburg, Zafren, Smith, and Wheeler).
| | - Colin K Grissom
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Intermountain Medical Center and the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (Dr Grissom)
| | - Ken Zafren
- Mountain Rescue Association, San Diego, CA (Drs Van Tilburg, Zafren, Smith, and Wheeler); Department of Emergency Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA (Dr Zafren); International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (Drs Brugger, Paal, and Zafren)
| | - Scott McIntosh
- Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (Drs McIntosh and Wheeler)
| | - Martin I Radwin
- Iasis Healthcare Physician Group of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (Dr Radwin)
| | - Peter Paal
- International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (Drs Brugger, Paal, and Zafren); Barts Heart Centre, St Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom (Dr Paal); Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, University Hospital, Innsbruck, Austria (Dr Paal)
| | - Pascal Haegeli
- School of Resource and Environmental Management, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC (Dr Haegeli)
| | - William Will R Smith
- Mountain Rescue Association, San Diego, CA (Drs Van Tilburg, Zafren, Smith, and Wheeler); Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Johns Medical Center, Jackson, WY (Drs Smith and Wheeler); Clinical WWAMI Faculty, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA (Dr Smith)
| | - Albert R Wheeler
- Mountain Rescue Association, San Diego, CA (Drs Van Tilburg, Zafren, Smith, and Wheeler); Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (Drs McIntosh and Wheeler); Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Johns Medical Center, Jackson, WY (Drs Smith and Wheeler)
| | - David Weber
- Denali National Park & Preserve, Talkeetna, AK (Mr Weber); Intermountain Life Flight, Salt Lake City, UT (Mr Weber)
| | - Bruce Tremper
- Utah Avalanche Center, Salt Lake City, UT (Mr Tremper)
| | - Hermann Brugger
- International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (Drs Brugger, Paal, and Zafren); EURAC Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Bolzano, Italy (Dr Brugger)
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Blancher M, Bauvent Y, Baré S, Wuyts B, Fillet Y, Brun J, Albasini F, Bouzat P. Multiple casualty incident in the mountain: Experience from the Valfrejus avalanche. Resuscitation 2016; 111:e7-e8. [PMID: 27914233 DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2016.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 11/19/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marc Blancher
- Département de médecine d'urgence - SMUR, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble-Alpes, CS 12017, F-38043 Grenoble, France
| | - Yann Bauvent
- Service de santé des armées, Antenne Médicale de Saint Christol, Centre Médical des Armées de Marseille - Aubagne, F-84390 Saint Christol, France
| | - Stéphane Baré
- Service des urgences - SMUR, Hôpital de Saint Jean de Maurienne, F-73000 Saint Jean de Maurienne, France
| | - Ben Wuyts
- Service des urgences - SMUR, Hôpital d'Albertville, F-73000 Albertville, France
| | - Yann Fillet
- Service des urgences - SMUR, Centre hospitalier de Briançon, F-05100 Briançon, France
| | - Julien Brun
- Pôle Anesthésie Réanimation, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble, CS 10217, F-38043 Grenoble-Alpes, France
| | - François Albasini
- Service des urgences - SMUR, Hôpital de Saint Jean de Maurienne, F-73000 Saint Jean de Maurienne, France
| | - Pierre Bouzat
- Pôle Anesthésie Réanimation, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble, CS 10217, F-38043 Grenoble-Alpes, France; Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences, INSERM U1216, F-38043 Grenoble, France; Grenoble Alpes Université, F-38043 Grenoble, France
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Chen C, Kan T, Li S, Qiu C, Gui L. Use and implementation of standard operating procedures and checklists in prehospital emergency medicine: a literature review. Am J Emerg Med 2016; 34:2432-2439. [PMID: 27742522 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2016.09.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Revised: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This review aimed to analyze published literature to introduce the use and implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and checklists in prehospital emergency medicine and their impact on guideline adherence and patient outcome. METHODS An English literature search was carried out using the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Springer, Elsevier, and ProQuest databases. Original articles describing the use and implementation of SOPs or checklists in prehospital emergency medicine were included. Editorials, comments, letters, bulletins, news articles, conference abstracts, and notes were excluded from the analysis. Relevant information was extracted relating to application areas, development of SOPs/checklists, educational preparation and training regarding SOPs/checklists implementation, staff attitudes and the effects of SOPs/checklists use on guideline adherence and patient outcomes. RESULTS The literature search found 2187 potentially relevant articles, which were narrowed down following an abstract review and a full text review. A final total of 13 studies were identified that described the use and implementation of SOPs (9 studies) and checklists (4 studies) in different areas of prehospital emergency medicine including prehospital management of patients with acute exacerbated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and acute coronary syndrome, prehospital airway management, medical documentation, Emergency Medical Services triage, and transportation of patients. CONCLUSIONS The use and implementation of SOPs and checklists in prehospital emergency medicine have shown some benefits of improving guidelines adherence and patient outcomes in airway management, patient records, identification and triage, and other prehospital interventions. More research in this area is necessary to optimize the future use and implementation of SOPs and checklists to improve emergency personnel performance and patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chulin Chen
- Department of Emergency Nursing, School of Nursing, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ting Kan
- Department of Emergency Nursing, School of Nursing, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Shuang Li
- Department of Emergency Nursing, School of Nursing, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Chen Qiu
- Department of Emergency Nursing, School of Nursing, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Li Gui
- Department of Emergency Nursing, School of Nursing, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.
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19
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Paal P, Gordon L, Strapazzon G, Brodmann Maeder M, Putzer G, Walpoth B, Wanscher M, Brown D, Holzer M, Broessner G, Brugger H. Accidental hypothermia-an update : The content of this review is endorsed by the International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MEDCOM). Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2016; 24:111. [PMID: 27633781 PMCID: PMC5025630 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-016-0303-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This paper provides an up-to-date review of the management and outcome of accidental hypothermia patients with and without cardiac arrest. METHODS The authors reviewed the relevant literature in their specialist field. Summaries were merged, discussed and approved to produce this narrative review. RESULTS The hospital use of minimally-invasive rewarming for non-arrested, otherwise healthy, patients with primary hypothermia and stable vital signs has the potential to substantially decrease morbidity and mortality for these patients. Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) has revolutionised the management of hypothermic cardiac arrest, with survival rates approaching 100 % in some cases. Hypothermic patients with risk factors for imminent cardiac arrest (temperature <28 °C, ventricular arrhythmia, systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg), and those who have already arrested, should be transferred directly to an ECLS-centre. Cardiac arrest patients should receive continuous cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) during transfer. If prolonged transport is required or terrain is difficult, mechanical CPR can be helpful. Delayed or intermittent CPR may be appropriate in hypothermic arrest when continuous CPR is impossible. Modern post-resuscitation care should be implemented following hypothermic arrest. Structured protocols should be in place to optimise pre-hospital triage, transport and treatment as well as in-hospital management, including detailed criteria and protocols for the use of ECLS and post-resuscitation care. CONCLUSIONS Based on new evidence, additional clinical experience and clearer management guidelines and documentation, the treatment of accidental hypothermia has been refined. ECLS has substantially improved survival and is the treatment of choice in the patient with unstable circulation or cardiac arrest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Paal
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Innsbruck University Hospital, Anichstr. 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Barts Heart Centre, St Bartholomew’s Hospital, West Smithfield, Barts Health NHS Trust, Queen Mary University of London, KGV Building, Office 10, 1st floor, West Smithfield, London, EC1A 7BE UK
- International Commission of Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MEDCOM), Kloten, Switzerland
| | - Les Gordon
- Department of Anaesthesia, University hospitals, Morecambe Bay Trust, Lancaster, UK
- Langdale Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team, Ambleside, UK
| | - Giacomo Strapazzon
- International Commission of Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MEDCOM), Kloten, Switzerland
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, EURAC research, Drususallee 1, Bozen/Bolzano, Italy
| | - Monika Brodmann Maeder
- International Commission of Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MEDCOM), Kloten, Switzerland
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, EURAC research, Drususallee 1, Bozen/Bolzano, Italy
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gabriel Putzer
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Innsbruck University Hospital, Anichstr. 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Beat Walpoth
- Department of Surgery, Cardiovascular Research, Service of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Michael Wanscher
- Department of Cardiothoracic Anaesthesia and Intensive Care 4142, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Doug Brown
- International Commission of Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MEDCOM), Kloten, Switzerland
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Michael Holzer
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gregor Broessner
- Department of Neurology, Neurologic Intensive Care Unit, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Hermann Brugger
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Innsbruck University Hospital, Anichstr. 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, EURAC research, Drususallee 1, Bozen/Bolzano, Italy
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20
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Debaty G, Maignan M, Perrin B, Brouta A, Guergour D, Trocme C, Bach V, Tanguy S, Briot R. Cardiopulmonary responses during the cooling and the extracorporeal life support rewarming phases in a porcine model of accidental deep hypothermic cardiac arrest. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2016; 24:91. [PMID: 27391370 PMCID: PMC4939029 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-016-0283-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 05/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to assess cardiac and pulmonary pathophysiological responses during cooling and extracorporeal life support (ECLS) rewarming in a porcine model of deep hypothermic cardiac arrest (DHCA). In addition, we evaluated whether providing a lower flow rate of ECLS during the rewarming phase might attenuate cardiopulmonary injuries. Methods Twenty pigs were cannulated for ECLS, cooled until DHCA occurred and subjected to 30 min of cardiac arrest. In order to assess the physiological impact of ECLS on cardiac output we measured flow in the pulmonary artery using Doppler echocardiography as well as a modified thermodilution technique using the Swan-Ganz catheter (injection site in the right ventricle). The animals were randomized into two groups during rewarming: a group with a low blood flow rate of 1.5 L/min (LF group) and a group with a normal flow rate of 3.0 L/min (NF group). The ECLS temperature was adjusted to 5 °C above the central core. Cardiac output, hemodynamics and pulmonary function parameters were evaluated. Results During the cooling phase, cardiac output, heart rhythm and blood pressure decreased continuously. Pulmonary artery pressure tended to increase at 32 °C compared to the initial value (20.2 ± 1.7 mmHg vs. 29.1 ± 5.6 mmHg, p = 0.09). During rewarming, arterial blood pressure was higher in the NF than in the LF group at 20° and 25 °C (p = 0.003 and 0.05, respectively). After rewarming to 35 °C, cardiac output was 3.9 ± 0.5 L/min in the NF group vs. 2.7 ± 0.5 L/min in LF group (p = 0.06). At the end of rewarming under ECLS cardiac output was inversely proportional to the ECLS flow rate. Moreover, the ECLS flow rate did not significantly change pulmonary vascular resistance. Discussion Using a newly developed experimental model of DHCA treated by ECLS, we assessed the cardiac and pulmonary pathophysiological response during the cooling phase and the ECLS rewarming phase. Despite lower metabolic need during hypothermia, a low ECLS blood flow rate during rewarming did not improved cardiopulmonary injuries after rewarming. Conclusion A low ECLS flow rate during the rewarming phase did not attenuate pulmonary lesions, increased blood lactate level and tended to decrease cardiac output after rewarming. A normal ECLS flow rate did not increase pulmonary vascular resistance compared to a low flow rate. This experimental model on pigs contributes a number of pathophysiological findings relevant to the rewarming strategy for patients who have undergone accidental DHCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Debaty
- Department of Emergency Medicine, SAMU 38, University Hospital of Grenoble, Grenoble, France. .,University Grenoble Alps/CNRS/TIMC-IMAG UMR 5525/Team PRETA, Grenoble, F-38041, France.
| | - Maxime Maignan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, SAMU 38, University Hospital of Grenoble, Grenoble, France
| | - Bertrand Perrin
- University Grenoble Alps/CNRS/TIMC-IMAG UMR 5525/Team PRETA, Grenoble, F-38041, France
| | - Angélique Brouta
- University Grenoble Alps/CNRS/TIMC-IMAG UMR 5525/Team PRETA, Grenoble, F-38041, France
| | - Dorra Guergour
- Department of Biochemistry Toxicology and Pharmacology, University Hospital of Grenoble, Grenoble, France
| | - Candice Trocme
- Department of Biochemistry Toxicology and Pharmacology, University Hospital of Grenoble, Grenoble, France
| | - Vincent Bach
- Department of cardiac surgery, University Hospital of Grenoble, Grenoble, France
| | - Stéphane Tanguy
- University Grenoble Alps/CNRS/TIMC-IMAG UMR 5525/Team PRETA, Grenoble, F-38041, France
| | - Raphaël Briot
- Department of Emergency Medicine, SAMU 38, University Hospital of Grenoble, Grenoble, France.,University Grenoble Alps/CNRS/TIMC-IMAG UMR 5525/Team PRETA, Grenoble, F-38041, France
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21
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Cohen JG, Boué Y, Boussat B, Reymond E, Grand S, Blancher M, Ferretti GR, Bouzat P. Serum potassium concentration predicts brain hypoxia on CT after avalanche-induced cardiac arrest. Am J Emerg Med 2016; 34:856-60. [PMID: 26935228 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2016.01.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Revised: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 01/31/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain anoxia after complete avalanche burial and cardiac arrest (CA) may occur despite adequate on-site triage. PURPOSE To investigate clinical and biological parameters associated with brain hypoxia in a cohort of avalanche victims with whole body computed tomographic (CT) scan. METHODS Retrospective study of patients with CA and whole body CT scan following complete avalanche burial admitted in a level-I trauma center. MAIN FINDINGS Out of 19 buried patients with whole body CT scan, eight patients had refractory CA and 11 patients had pre-hospital return of spontaneous circulation. Six patients survived at hospital discharge and only two had good neurologic outcome. Twelve patients had signs of brain hypoxia on initial CT scan, defined as brain edema, loss of gray/white matter differentiation and/or hypodensity of basal ganglia. No clinical pre-hospital parameter was associated with brain anoxia. Serum potassium concentration at admission was higher in patients with brain anoxia as compared to patients with normal CT scan: 5.5 (4.1-7.2) mmol/L versus 3.3 (3.0-4.2) mmol/L, respectively (P<.01). A threshold of 4.35 mmol/L serum potassium had 100% specificity to predict brain anoxia on brain CT scan. CONCLUSIONS Serum potassium concentration had good predictive value for brain anoxia after complete avalanche burial. This finding further supports the use of serum potassium concentration for extracorporeal life support insertion at hospital admission in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien G Cohen
- Pôle Imagerie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble, CS 10217, F-38043 Grenoble, France
| | - Yvonnick Boué
- Pôle Anesthésie Réanimation, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble, CS 10217, F-38043 Grenoble, France
| | - Bastien Boussat
- Pôle Santé Publique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble, CS 10217, F-38043, Grenoble, France; Laboratoire Techniques de l'Ingénierie Médicale et de la Complexité, CNRS UMR5525, F-38043 Grenoble, France
| | - Emilie Reymond
- Pôle Imagerie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble, CS 10217, F-38043 Grenoble, France
| | - Sylvie Grand
- Pôle Imagerie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble, CS 10217, F-38043 Grenoble, France; Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences, INSERM U836, F-38043 Grenoble, France; Grenoble Alpes Université, F-38043 Grenoble, France
| | - Marc Blancher
- Pôle Urgence-Médecine Aiguë, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble, CS 10217, F-38043 Grenoble, France
| | - Gilbert R Ferretti
- Pôle Imagerie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble, CS 10217, F-38043 Grenoble, France; Grenoble Alpes Université, F-38043 Grenoble, France
| | - Pierre Bouzat
- Pôle Anesthésie Réanimation, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble, CS 10217, F-38043 Grenoble, France; Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences, INSERM U836, F-38043 Grenoble, France; Grenoble Alpes Université, F-38043 Grenoble, France.
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Truhlář A, Deakin CD, Soar J, Khalifa GEA, Alfonzo A, Bierens JJLM, Brattebø G, Brugger H, Dunning J, Hunyadi-Antičević S, Koster RW, Lockey DJ, Lott C, Paal P, Perkins GD, Sandroni C, Thies KC, Zideman DA, Nolan JP, Böttiger BW, Georgiou M, Handley AJ, Lindner T, Midwinter MJ, Monsieurs KG, Wetsch WA. European Resuscitation Council Guidelines for Resuscitation 2015: Section 4. Cardiac arrest in special circumstances. Resuscitation 2015; 95:148-201. [PMID: 26477412 DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2015.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 527] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Anatolij Truhlář
- Emergency Medical Services of the Hradec Králové Region, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic; Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Hradec Králové, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.
| | - Charles D Deakin
- Cardiac Anaesthesia and Cardiac Intensive Care, NIHR Southampton Respiratory Biomedical Research Unit, Southampton University Hospital NHS Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Jasmeet Soar
- Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Southmead Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Annette Alfonzo
- Departments of Renal and Internal Medicine, Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy, Fife, UK
| | | | - Guttorm Brattebø
- Bergen Emergency Medical Services, Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Hermann Brugger
- EURAC Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Bozen, Italy
| | - Joel Dunning
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK
| | | | - Rudolph W Koster
- Department of Cardiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - David J Lockey
- Intensive Care Medicine and Anaesthesia, Southmead Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK; School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, UK
| | - Carsten Lott
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-Universitaet, Mainz, Germany
| | - Peter Paal
- Barts Heart Centre, St Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK; Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, University Hospital Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gavin D Perkins
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK; Critical Care Unit, Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Claudio Sandroni
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Catholic University School of Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | | | - David A Zideman
- Department of Anaesthetics, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Jerry P Nolan
- Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Royal United Hospital, Bath, UK; School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, UK
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