Wilderness Medicine Updates Ep. 5 - Mechanical CPR for Ski Patrol and Mountain Rescue
Mar 12, 2023
Delve into the world of mechanical CPR devices like LUCAS and Autopulse, examining their pros and cons for ski patrol and mountain rescue. Discover how altitude impacts resuscitation quality, revealing the unique challenges faced by rescuers in extreme conditions. Case studies underscore the importance of adapting techniques to improve survival rates, particularly for hypothermic avalanche victims. This discussion highlights the balance between technology and traditional methods in critical situations.
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Avalanche Burial Case Framing
- A buried skier was excavated after an hour and found pulseless but profoundly hypothermic with an air pocket around his head.
- Patrick Fink used this case to frame the dilemma of whether to perform on-site CPR or move the patient under avalanche risk.
Ski Hill Arrests Have Better Survival
- On-slope cardiac arrests tend to have better outcomes because patients are younger, often have shockable rhythms, and receive faster defibrillation.
- Patrick Fink argues these facts mean prioritize high-quality on-scene CPR and only transport after ROSC when possible.
Transport Only For Specific Reasons
- Do resuscitate on scene and avoid moving the patient unless CPR is unsafe or special care is needed off-hill.
- Move patients only for safety, profound hypothermia requiring hospital rewarming, major trauma, or operational reasons after futility is established.