Successful use of percussion pacing in a pre-hospital p-wave asystole and ventricular standstill

Martin Betzer
Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Background: The use of percussion pacing (PP) using a clenched fist as an external cardiac pacemaker is not scientifically supported. However, European Guidelines for resuscitation 2015 recommend PP as an initial intervention for haemodynamically unstable patients with bradyarrhythmias or p-wave asystole. We describe a case where paramedics witnessed a patient developing p-wave asystole with ventricular standstill, and treated the patient successfully with PP until transcutaneous pacing was established. Case presentation: An 87-year-old man with a previous history of bifascicular heart block collapsed in his private residence in Denmark. Initially conscious and clinically unstable when assessed by Emergency Medical Services (EMS), his condition quickly deteriorated and lost consciousness. PP was initiated resulting in electric capture in shape of broad QRS complexes on the ECG tracing corresponding with palpable carotid pulses and rise in consciousness. The successful intervention lasted for 20 seconds until transcutaneous pacing was commenced and further treatment was established. The patient survived to hospital admission. Conclusions: Although current research has not been able to establish a scientific base for the use of PP in extreme bradycardia and p-wave asystole, several case reports have been published. We contribute to these with our description of an 87-year-old man who benefited from this easy to use and probably life-saving intervention. To our best knowledge, this is the first case report of Danish paramedics intervening with PP.

Subscribe to get full access to International Paramedic Practice

Thank you for vising International Paramedic Practice and reading our archive of expert clinical content. If you would like to read more from the only journal dedicated to those working in emergency care, you can start your subscription today for just £48.

CPD Focus

Reading the International Paramedic Practice counts towards your professional development

Develop your career

We provide professional information dedicated to paramedics covering training, education and jobs

Stay informed

Get the latest clinical information to ensure you are aware of the latest think and best practice in paramedicne

Subscribe now

Already registered? - Sign in here