Citation

Penney DJ, Stewart AH, Parr MJ. Resuscitation 2002; 54(1): 27-29.

Affiliation

Intensive Care Unit, Liverpool Hospital, University of New South Wales, Locked Bag 7103, Liverpool NSW 1871, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12104105

Abstract

Hanging as a method of attempting suicide is increasing in incidence. A retrospective review of victims of hanging injuries presenting to our institution over a 5-year period was performed. Forty-two cases were reviewed. Drug and/or alcohol ingestion was identified in 70% of cases. There were no cervical spine injuries identified, although two unexpected thoracic spine fractures were found. There was an 88% survival rate, with a low incidence (5%) of poor neurological outcome. The Glasgow Coma Score at scene or on arrival at hospital was found to be a prognostic indicator. Victims without spontaneous cardiac output at scene did not survive, even if cardiopulmonary resuscitation was successful initially.

Language: en