title: Miracle in the desert. Cardiac case at remote burning man event presents challenges.
abstract: This was a miraculous case that illustrates the importance of seamless interaction between field EMS crews and physicians. First, this case occurred in one of the most austere and hostile environments imaginable. Next, it included a patient who was resuscitated from pulseless v tach with a precordial thump performed by a paramedic crew. The patient was subsequently evaluated and diagnosed with a thoracic aorta dissection by medical staff in a tent (with a diagnosis made by plain chest X-ray) and emergently transported 150 miles to a hospital where successful surgery was carried out. It truly was a "perfect storm," or perhaps, it was the general goodwill and spirit of Burning Man. Or maybe those crystals that were everywhere actually worked.
authors: Kaiser-Permanente, Portland, Ore., USA. jeffwestin@yahoo.com
authors: Jeff
authors: J
authors: Westin
authors: Pat
authors: P
authors: Songer
authors: Kelly
authors: K
authors: Buchanan
authors: Loren
authors: L
authors: Gorosh
authors: Ryan
authors: R
authors: Hodnick
authors: Bryan E
authors: BE
authors: Bledsoe
mesh_terms: D000784:Aortic Dissection / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D000846:Anniversaries and Special Events; D001014:Aortic Aneurysm / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged