To treat patients suffering from cardiac arrest after restoration of spontaneous circulation has been difficult and discouraging, with a high mortality rate. Two independent studies have, however, shown that early treatment with hypothermia increases survival and protects from neurological sequelae after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Recently the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) has published an advisory statement recommending therapeutic hypothermia after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. In this paper the issue is discussed and the therapy recommended.