Defibrillation and thrombolysis following a myocardial infarct in Antarctica.

This report describes the cardiac resuscitation and air evacuation of a 53-yr-old male dentist who sustained an inferior myocardial infarction and cardiac arrest in Antarctica. Following defibrillation and thrombolysis, a ski-equipped LC-130 airlifted this critical patient 9 h north to New Zealand for angioplasty. This case heralds the rapidly evolving ability to extend state-of-the-art health care to previously inaccessible areas. While increased public confidence is warranted and welcomed, the authors aim to temper unchecked enthusiasm by detailing both the technical complexities and the good fortune involved in this extreme resuscitation. A literature review suggests this case represents the most geographically remote cardiac resuscitation yet described.