An association between snowfall and ED presentation of cardiac arrest

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.