Management of drowning and accidental hypothermia: a national survey of the Major Trauma Centres in England

Louise M Jones,Lauren Shearer,Anthony Hudson

doi:10.1186/1757-7241-23-s2-a6

Abstract

Background Unintentional drowning and accidental hypothermia are important causes of death worldwide, and may occur simultaneously. In the case of severe accidental hypothermia with cardiac arrest, recent guidelines recognised extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and cardiopulmonary bypass as safe and effective rewarming techniques, with survival rates of approximately 50%. We assessed whether the Major Trauma Centres (MTCs) in the UK had protocols for the management of hypothermia and drowning, and whether they had access to ECMO and/or bypass.

Highlights

Unintentional drowning and accidental hypothermia are important causes of death worldwide, and may occur simultaneously
We assessed whether the Major Trauma Centres (MTCs) in the UK had protocols for the management of hypothermia and drowning, and whether they had access to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and/or bypass
We conducted a telephone survey during June 2014, asking the on call trauma consultant or clinical director for trauma 4 simple questions. We established whether they had protocols for the management of drowning and/or hypothermia in their Emergency Department, and whether there was access to ECMO and/or bypass

Summary

Introduction

Unintentional drowning and accidental hypothermia are important causes of death worldwide, and may occur simultaneously. Management of drowning and accidental hypothermia: a national survey of the Major Trauma Centres in England Louise M Jones, Lauren Shearer*, Anthony Hudson From London Trauma Conference 2014 London, UK.

Results

Conclusion