Sudden cardiac arrest on the field of play: turning tragedy into a survivable event

Abstract

Sudden cardiac arrest remains the leading cause of death in exercising athletes, and recent studies have shown that it occurs more frequently than historical estimates. While out-of-hospital cardiac arrest often proves fatal, advance preparation can improve outcomes and the chance of survival. First responders to a collapsed athlete on the field of play may include team medical personnel, coaches, other athletes, officials, venue staff, emergency medical services personnel, or lay bystanders. Prompt and accurate recognition of sudden cardiac arrest, a comprehensive and rehearsed emergency action plan, early cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and immediate access to and use of an automated external defibrillator are each pivotal links in the chain of survival. This review summarises the components of an effective emergency action plan, highlights the critical role of automated external defibrillators, and reviews the diagnosis and management of sudden cardiac arrest on the field of play.

Cardiopulmonary Considerations for High School Student-Athletes During the COVID-19 Pandemic: NFHS-AMSSM Guidance Statement

“…Every school is reminded to have a well-rehearsed emergency action plan (EAP) for every sport at every venue to facilitate a coordinated and efficient response to SCA. 4,11,14 • • Every school should maintain an on-site automated external defibrillator (AED) program that allows retrieval and use of an AED within 3 minutes of collapse at school athletic venues and buildings.…”

Addressing harm in moral case deliberation: the views and experiences of facilitators

“…Literature on tragedy often focuses on experiences of patients living with a serious illness, trauma or disability [17][18][19][20][21][22]. Sometimes, literature addresses the burden experienced by healthcare professionals due to the difficult decisions they face, and their consequences [23,24].…”

Immediate Bystander Response to Sudden Cardiac Arrest During Sports is Associated with Improved Survival -- A Video Analysis.

“…[4][5][6][7][8][9]1417] Therefore, the international medical societies and sports associations have provided detailed medical action plans and training programs for handling SCA at sports facilities, including the use of an automatic external de brillator (AED). [11,14,15,[18][19][20][21][22][23] However, unexpected episodes of SCA during sports continue to happen, with uncertain outcomes. [11,18,19,24,25] The rapidity of bystander response, a critical component of survival, has received less attention.…”