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Frostbite — RCPSC EM MCQ

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HardEnvironmental emergenciesFrostbiteRCPSC EM

A skier is found in ventricular fibrillation at a core temperature of 24°C after prolonged cold exposure clearly preceded arrest. Potassium is 7.0 mmol/L and high-quality CPR is ongoing. What is the best destination strategy?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Continue CPR and activate transport to an ECMO/CPB-capable centre

Explanation lettering: E = shown as B · B = shown as C · C = shown as E

E is correct for HT IV with a potentially reversible cold-first arrest. A uses a potassium threshold far below the Canadian termination consideration of greater than 12 mmol/L. B and C substitute slower methods for circulatory rewarming. D makes ROSC a prerequisite for the treatment most likely to achieve it.

Reference: Emergency Care BC, Accidental Hypothermia: https://emergencycarebc.ca/clinical_resource/clinical-summary/accidental-hypothermia/