Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue (BSFR) is the first metropolitan fire rescue system in Florida and one of only five in the nation to start cooling heart attack victims in the field to increase survivability. The procedure, called hypothermic resuscitation, is so unique that patients must be transported to an “ICE” (Induced Cooling by EMS) Center for treatment. Cleveland Clinic in Florida is proud to be one of only four recognized “ICE” Centers in Broward, and the only one in the southern and western portions of the county to offer this service. The city of Weston wholly supports this program through its commitment to the community and partnerships with Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue and Cleveland Clinic in Florida.

Chief of EMS Stephen Krivjanik said, “This is the second and final phase of enhancing our pre-hospital cardiac resuscitation program. Studies show that the sooner you can lower the body temperature in heart attacks, the better the prognosis for the patient.”

Hypothermic resuscitation or “ICE” involves both external and internal (systemic) cooling of heart attack patients using chilled intravenous solutions and medications. All BSFR rescue units are equipped with temperature-controlled cooling units that maintain the solutions at 0-5 degrees Centigrade (33-34 degrees Fahrenheit) for immediate administration. Additionally, all BSFR firefighter/paramedics are trained in this procedure and protocol enhancements.

When at the “ICE” Center, a specially trained 24/7 Intensive Care team continues the cooling process with advanced computer-controlled intravascular technology to maintain an appropriate temperature. Cleveland Clinic is one of the first South Florida hospitals employing the system, in place of more traditional cooling methods to induce hypothermia in order to lessen or prevent neurological damage from cardiac arrest.

“Using the intravascular cooling catheter allows us to more precisely control both the cooling and warming process,” explains Paul Adams, D.O., M.A., chairman of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Cleveland Clinic in Florida. “We are pleased to be able to work with Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue in Weston to provide this high quality continuum of care to the community.”

While heart attack victims may survive the initial cardiac event, secondary neurologic events may cause brain damage and death. By cooling the patient this way, brain swelling can be reduced and preservation of cells can greatly enhance an intact neurologic outcome. Adds Chief Krivjanik, “What we’re seeing already are heart attack patients that we’ve resuscitated walking out of the hospital, able to return to their homes, their families, and continue living a quality life.”