At the January 20th 2009 EMS Meeting, Our Medical Director, Dr Flanagan, gave a lecture on Therapeutic Hypothermia for post cardiac arrest return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC).
He explained how the many different physiological effects of post arrest can further damage an already insulted
brain. Not only is the brain at risk, but also the heart and other organs that are damaged by the cellular mediation and inflammatory
processes that takes place. It is Dr Flanagan's intention to begin the cooling process with NBFD. Many departments and
hospitals across the nation have been doing it successfully and some for at least a couple years already. The AHA has specific guidelines
that we will follow. The EMS Committee is working out the details. We will likely start 2 liters of ice chilled saline and ensure
shivering is avoided. Target temperatures are between 32 and 34 degrees Celsius. The best destination facility is being discussed.
