A HEMS physician is considering whether to perform a pre-hospital thoracotomy on a patient with penetrating chest trauma who is in cardiac arrest. Wha...

Question

A HEMS physician is considering whether to perform a pre-hospital thoracotomy on a patient with penetrating chest trauma who is in cardiac arrest. What is the maximum time interval from witnessed cardiac arrest to thoracotomy for the best chance of survival?

Accepted Answer

15 minutes for penetrating trauma, 10 minutes for blunt trauma

Answer

45 minutes if continuous CPR has been maintained

Answer

60 minutes in young patients

Answer

30 minutes regardless of mechanism

Answer

5 minutes for all trauma types

uk-dipimc MCQ (SBA): Pre-Hospital Thoracotomy Timing

A HEMS physician is considering whether to perform a pre-hospital thoracotomy on a patient with penetrating chest trauma who is in cardiac arrest. What is the maximum time interval from witnessed cardiac arrest to thoracotomy for the best chance of survival?