The article describes their decision making process:
> As rescue divers searched for the boy's body, we deliberated whether to attempt resuscitation and likelihood of meaningful neurologic recovery of a child submerged for at least 90 minutes. We reviewed literature for guidance2-4,6 and drew from institutional experience with a 2-year-old submerged in ice water for 40 minutes who received 101 minutes of CPR.3 The toddler recovered with no sequelae. For our current patient, the decision was made to resuscitate and rewarm the boy because of his young age and protective effects of ice water submersion. We reasoned that if meaningful neurologic function were not observed after rewarming, end-organ preservation on ECMO may allow family goodbyes and organ harvest for transplantation to give other sick children the gift of life.9 This important point should be considered by providers faced with the difficult decision to attempt resuscitation of a patient with asystolic hypothermia >90 minutes.