Electric shock for a patient with ventricular fibrillation during air evacuation using a helicopter

Abstract

A 73-year-old male suddenly felt chest pain and nausea in his home. The fire department requested the dispatch of a physician-staffed helicopter. When the medical staff of the helicopter checked him, his 12-lead electrocardiogram showed ST elevation at the II, III, and aVF leads. After being fitted with pads for monitoring and defibrillation, he was transferred to the helicopter. Before landing at the base hospital a few minutes later, his electrocardiogram suddenly demonstrated ventricular fibrillation (VF). The patient received an electric shock. When the helicopter landed on the base hospital, he still showed VF. After being directly transferred to the catheter room, he received advanced cardiac life support with percutaneous cardiopulmonary support. A trans-arterial coronary angiogram revealed total occlusion of the right coronary artery. After recanalization of the occluded artery, he regained spontaneous circulation. He received intensive care, including targeted temperature management, and he regained consciousness and achieved social rehabilitation. We herein report the first case of VF safely treated with an electric shock during air evacuation by a rotary-wing aircraft in the English literature. Preparations in advance are necessary to perform electric shock safely during a flight aboard rotary-wing aircraft.