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ECMO Team Revives Teen Runner After 21°C Hypothermia in Lake Como Trail Race

Rapid ECMO at Bergamo after a coordinated mountain rescue kept the hypothermic teen alive.

Overview

  • Rescuers found 18-year-old Jiri Marzi off-course between Sasso Bellora and Monte Bregagno around 18:10 in cardiac arrest with a core temperature of about 21°C.
  • He was airlifted to Papa Giovanni XXIII in Bergamo and connected to ECMO 17 minutes after arrival, remaining on the circuit for six days.
  • Accounts differ on the length of cardiac arrest, ranging from roughly one hour to 90 minutes, as severe hypothermia slowed his metabolism and extended the resuscitation window.
  • The operation was coordinated by Areu with Soccorso Alpino, Vigili del Fuoco, helicopter crews from Como and Sondrio, and the hospital’s ECMO specialists.
  • Marzi has returned to school and to playing piano with only minor fingertip effects after intensive care, a ward stay, and rehabilitation.