Chilled nose spray to help heart attack victims

Heart attack victims are being treated in ambulances using a chilled nasal spray which could prevent brain damage. 

Heart attack victims are being treated in ambulances using a chilled nasal spray which could prevent brain damage.

Trials have begun in Sussex using a new technique which aims to cool the brain and stop cells dying from a lack of oxygen while the heart is stopped.

A number of ambulance services in the UK already use methods such as cold saline drips and cooling pads to attempt to attempt to prevent and limit brain damage, but scientists hope the new technique will target the brain more quickly.

Experts believe the treatment, in which a coolant is delivered via a facemask, could prevent many patients suffering from severe and permanent brain damage which can follow a cardiac arrest.

The new technique will be trialled by South East Coast Ambulance Service Foundation trust on 25 cardiac arrest patients after they have been resuscitated.

Prof Andy Newton, the trust’s Director of Clinical Operations, said: “We are excited to be the first UK ambulance service to be able to cool a cardiac arrest patient’s brain while still at the scene, and know that we have played our part in giving them the best chance possible for a good recovery.”