[Exitus letalis caused by liquid nitrogen].
A 24-year old student died from asphyxiation while filling flasks with liquid nitrogen. The upper and lower extremities and the back were frozen. The face, ears and neck were livid with a horizontal line of demarcation. A few wide ventricular complexes were seen in the initial ECG, followed by asystole. The patient's trachea was intubated, his lungs ventilated with 100% oxygen and CPR initiated. The site of larynx and pharynx were without pathological findings. 250 ml of a crystalloid solution were infused into the external jugular vein. It was not possible to measure the body temperature. Venous blood gas analysis showed a metabolic acidosis and hyperkaliaemia. CPR was terminated after 90 minutes. Own protection is most important for the rescue team if a nitrogen atmosphere is expected.
Saur
P
P
Zentrum Anästhesiologie, Rettungs- und Intensivmedizin, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen.
Kazmaier
S
S
Wighton
G K
GK
Panzer
W
W
Kettler
D
D
D000328:Adult; D001237:Asphyxia / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology; D001929:Brain Edema / Q000473:pathology; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005627:Frostbite / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011654:Pulmonary Edema / Q000473:pathology; D012151:Resuscitation
D009584:Nitrogen