Got hypothermia?

In 2005 the AHA stated that "unconscious adult patients with ROSC (return of spontaneous circulation) after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest should be cooled to 32 C to 34 C (89.6 F - 93.2 F) for 12 to 24 hours when the initial rhythm was VF."

This was a class IIa recommendation at the time: "Benefit >> Risk, It is reasonable to perform procedure."

Today, four years after the publication of these guidelines, are there protocols and equipment at your hospital to support the use of hypothermia in unconscious adult patients with return of circulation after out of hospital VF arrest?




Source

American Heart Association: 2005 guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care. Circulation 2005: Part 7.5, Postresuscitation Support, 112; IV1-IV203.