Use of an automatic mechanical chest compression device (LUCAS) as a bridge to establishing cardiopulmonary bypass for a patient with hypothermic cardiac arrest.

We report the case of a victim of deep accidental hypothermia who was extracted from the ice and received 1.5 h of mechanical chest compression. This was followed with rapid rewarming on cardiopulmonary bypass and resulted in good physical and mental recovery. This management option should be considered for similar victims.