An association between snowfall and ED presentation of cardiac arrest

Am J Emerg Med. 1996 Oct;14(6):572-3. doi: 10.1016/S0735-6757(96)90102-3.

Abstract

Studies from several cities have reported increased cardiovascular mortality associated with snowfall; whether this weather also results in increased emergency department (ED) presentation of cardiac arrests is not known. A retrospective review was conducted of cardiac arrest patients presenting to a New England ED during the months of October through May, from 1991 to 1994. Comparing daily frequency of cardiac arrest patients with climactic data, a 27% increase was observed in the frequency of cardiac arrest presentation to the ED on days with snowfall (P = .0004). ED physicians and staff should anticipate an increased frequency of cardiac arrest patients on days with snowfall.

MeSH terms

  • Emergencies
  • Heart Arrest / epidemiology*
  • Humans
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Snow*