[Exitus letalis caused by liquid nitrogen].

A 24-year old student died from asphyxiation while filling flasks with liquid nitrogen. The upper and lower extremities and the back were frozen. The face, ears and neck were livid with a horizontal line of demarcation. A few wide ventricular complexes were seen in the initial ECG, followed by asystole. The patient's trachea was intubated, his lungs ventilated with 100% oxygen and CPR initiated. The site of larynx and pharynx were without pathological findings. 250 ml of a crystalloid solution were infused into the external jugular vein. It was not possible to measure the body temperature. Venous blood gas analysis showed a metabolic acidosis and hyperkaliaemia. CPR was terminated after 90 minutes. Own protection is most important for the rescue team if a nitrogen atmosphere is expected.