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[–] cynicaloldfart 0 points 7 points (+7|-0) ago  (edited ago)

I don't know about NY, but here if OSD (obvious signs of death) which are clearly defined are present we don't start resuscitation. As soon as that is determined, EMS is released and it becomes the responsibility of the Medical Examiner. We never transport the body. We're long gone before the ME field agent shows up.

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[–] Intothewind 0 points 2 points (+2|-0) ago 

Pretty much same here

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[–] cynicaloldfart 0 points 1 point (+1|-0) ago 

I guess I should add that here we have a semi-private ambulance service, not part of the Fire Dept. Many cities the ambulance service is a function of the FD and maybe they have agreements with the ME office. But I know of nowhere where resuscitation, once started, can be stopped by any one other than a MD.

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[–] ThisNameAlreadyTaken 0 points 1 point (+1|-0) ago 

If you find a PT like this hanging from the neck, what would be the OSD to not attempt resuscitation?

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[–] cynicaloldfart 0 points 4 points (+4|-0) ago 

If a patient was actually found hanging and lowered, the first item would be to check for noticeable lowered body temp, lividity (blood pooling at lowest points), and rigor mortis. If those are absent, the next step would be to use a laryngoscope and attempt intubation. That means a device to open and visualize the throat and attempt to insert a 'breathing tube'. If the larynx is crushed and unable to do that, an ekg (heart activity) should be done. If the known facts of time are sufficient to indicate a period exceeding 10 or more minutes has elapsed since the hanging, resuscitation would not be indicated. Even with a checklist of events, it still is a judgement call, which any paramedic knows they must be confident enough to support upon inquiry. With enough experience you make a choice knowing all possible efforts are useless. A quality EMT will always put that decision in the highest priority, it is a human life who frequently has loved ones that will be greatly affected by that decision. Sometimes all you can do is just not enough.