� Can prehospital administration of methylene blue improve survival in cases of massive sodium nitrite overdose?
Sodium nitrite overdose leads to severe methemoglobinemia and can be rapidly fatal. A recent case study highlights the potential life-saving role of methylene blue when administered early by EMS.
� Study Insights:
➊ Case Report:
A 31-year-old woman ingested a large quantity of sodium nitrite in a suicide attempt. Despite a prompt EMS response, she experienced rapid clinical decline, resulting in cardiac arrest before reaching the hospital.
➋ Clinical Course:
After initial contact by EMS the patient was alert but showing signs of methemoglobinemia (84% SpO2 with cyanosis).
Rapid deterioration:
Within 40 minutes of ingestion, the patient went into cardiac arrest.
EMS interventions included supplemental oxygen, midazolam for seizures, and attempts at airway management.
Hospital arrival:
Despite aggressive resuscitation efforts, the patient died. Postmortem methemoglobin level was 84.4%.
➌ Protocol Development:
Following this case, Hennepin EMS developed a protocol for prehospital methylene blue administration.
Methylene blue will be stored in EMS supervisor vehicles for rapid on-scene availability.
Training and guidelines have been established for EMS personnel on methylene blue administration.
� Conclusions:
Early administration of methylene blue in the prehospital setting could significantly improve survival in sodium nitrite overdose cases.
Implementation of this protocol represents a critical step in enhancing EMS capabilities to manage severe methemoglobinemia effectively.
� For more detailed findings, read the full study: https://ow.ly/vXFC50ShBri