Corsa JG, Brown JO, Fleming RM, Bergmann RT, Henning JA, Monson JT. Wilderness Rescue of a Hiker with Multiple Trapped Limbs by a Combined Wilderness and Urban Rescue Team Using High-Pressure Airbags.
Wilderness Environ Med 2023;
34:377-382. [PMID:
37468378 DOI:
10.1016/j.wem.2023.05.006]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
We report on the case of a 28-y-old man with both legs and left arm trapped for nearly 6 h after falling and subsequently being trapped by a boulder during a hike in the wilderness. Extrication required equipment designed for urban environments and was operated by an unconventional team of rescue professionals. The patient experienced multiple right lower-extremity orthopedic injuries, acute kidney injury secondary to rhabdomyolysis, and bilateral segmental pulmonary emboli. In this article, we detail the extrication and review the treatment guidelines for crush injuries that focus on aggressive fluid resuscitation prior to and during extrication and medication administration only if hyperkalemia presents. Wilderness rescuers should plan for the use of unconventional rescue equipment in austere prolonged rescue scenarios.
Collapse