

Prolonged Field Care Podcast: Anoxic Brain Injury
Aug 8, 2025
Dive into the complexities of anoxic brain injury, exploring its causes and the crucial need for oxygen. Discover the vital importance of timely interventions and maintaining oxygen levels in emergencies. Gain insights into airway management decisions and their impact on brain function. Learn about innovative resuscitation strategies, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The conversation also covers managing complications like pain and agitation, which are essential for preventing secondary injuries and optimizing recovery.
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What Anoxic Brain Injury Is
- Anoxic brain injury occurs when the brain gets insufficient oxygen for any reason, including low blood volume or toxicologic causes.
- Sustained oxygen deprivation causes cell death and progressive neurological harm.
Same Hypoxia Can Yield Different Outcomes
- Jeff recounts bronchoscopic variability: similar hypoxic events can have wildly different outcomes.
- A brief SpO2 drop to the 80s may leave no injury, while a drop to 60s can cause detectable anoxic damage.
Apply MARCH To Protect The Brain
- Follow MARCH: keep blood in the body, maintain airway, and treat chest issues to preserve cerebral oxygen delivery.
- In the field, avoid hypothermia for coagulation reasons and focus on preventing further oxygen loss.