The city's paramedics are beginning to test hypothermia therapy on cardiac arrest victims in ambulances. By injecting a chilled saline solution into the blood, which will cool the body's temperature up to nine degrees, paramedics can slow the brain's need for oxygen and buy the victim time until they arrive at the hospital. Mayor Bloomberg said, "This innovative treatment...will save lives and keep our city on the cutting edge of pre-hospital emergency medical care." The release also states, "Nearly seven out of 10 patients who received hypothermia treatment left hospitals with little or no lasting mental or physical impacts." How reassuring.
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