Out-of-hospital surface cooling with a cooling-blanket to induce mild hypothermia in humans after cardiac arrest: a feasibility trial

Mild hypothermia (32–34°C) is a promising new therapy for patients resuscitated from cardiac arrest. Animal studies suggest that early and fast cooling is crucial for beneficial effect on neurological outcome. Inducing mild hypothermia immediately after successful restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in the out-of-hospital setting remains a challenge. Therefore, a novel cooling-blanket (EMCOOLSpad®), independent of any energy source during use, was developed. The aim of the study was to evaluate feasibility and safety of out-of-hospital surface cooling with EMCOOLSpad® in patients successfully resuscitated from cardiac arrest.