Vasovagal syncope is the most common form of syncope seen in young and otherwise healthy active duty service members. Although self-limiting, syncopal events often produce a significant drain of medical resources because of their sudden and often dramatic presentation, which can be associated with traumatic injuries secondary to loss in postural tone. Malignant differential pathologies associated with syncopal presentation need to be ruled out, which in turn further diminishes resources, especially in a deployed environment that is often in austere, remote locations with a lack of readily available medical supplies. We present a case of vasovagal syncope experienced by a 20-year-old sailor shortly after venipuncture and the 12-lead electrocardiogram captured shortly after presentation. This case highlights the unique electrophysiology during a vasovagal episode and the impact a relatively benign condition has on medical operations in the operational setting.
Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Association of Military Surgeons of the United States 2022. This work is written by (a) US Government employee(s) and is in the public domain in the US.