[Successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation in prone position]

Abstract

In certain surgical positions standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) cannot be carried out. It is sometimes impossible or time-consuming to establish a supine position without increasing the no-flow-time and therefore creating a negative outcome of the patient. The case of CPR in a prone position during an emergency evacuation of a cerebellar hematoma is reported. The resuscitation was initiated in the prone position to decrease the no-flow-time. This was very effective because the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) started before turning the patient to the supine position. Resuscitation in the prone position in this case was equally as effective as in the traditional supine position.