Severe Heat Stroke Resuscitation Using a Body Bag in a Community Emergency Department.

Publication/Presentation Date

8-1-2023

Abstract

Heat stroke can lead to severe complications such as end-organ damage and death. The primary treatment modality for heat stroke is rapid cold-water immersion to lower the patient's body temperature. This typically requires a large bath to place the patient in, which may not be available in small or community emergency departments. Although rarely present in the literature, a body bag for cold-water immersion can be used if a bath is not available. Here, we present a case of a 63-year-old male who presented to the emergency department unresponsive with hyperthermia after a heat wave warning was issued. After a thorough workup and imaging, the patient was given IV saline and naloxone, which did not improve his condition. Therefore, the patient was placed in a body bag filled with cold water and ice until his body temperature reduced to 100°F, after which he was removed and closely monitored. The patient was safely discharged and only required repeat lab work three days after discharge. This case highlights a unique technique that emergency physicians can utilize in scenarios where a typical cold-water immersion setup and execution are not possible.

Volume

15

Issue

8

First Page

44045

Last Page

44045

ISSN

2168-8184

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

37746445

Department(s)

Department of Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine Faculty, Department of Emergency Medicine Residents, USF-LVHN SELECT Program, USF-LVHN SELECT Program Faculty, USF-LVHN SELECT Program Students

Document Type

Article

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