Sudden Cardiac Arrestin Intercollegiate Athletics
Are you prepared?
Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in exercising young athletes
• Sudden cardiac death occurs in 1:43,000 NCAA student-athletes per year
• The chance of survival decreases by 10% every minute after collapse
• The average EMS response time is 6-8 minutes
• The single greatest factor affecting survival is the time from cardiac arrest to defibrillation (shock)
• AEDs improve survival through early defibrillation
Screening
• Student-athletes are required to have a pre-participation physical examination.
• The traditional screen includes:o History (chest pain or passing out with
exercise)o Physical exam (blood pressure, heart sounds)
• Some schools perform EKG (electrocardiogram) to increase detection of athletes with at-risk conditionso Appropriate experience and resources are
important for EKG screening to be utilized effectively
• Insert institutional screening policy here if applicable
Emergency PlanningWritten Emergency Action Plan for SCA
Emergency communication system
Trained responders in CPR/AED
AED locations – all staff awareness
Access to early defibrillation (<3-5 min collapse to shock)
Practice and review of the response plan at least annually
Integrate AEDS into local EMS system
Emergency Action Plan Essential elements of an emergency action plan include: • (insert specific institutional plans for all
of the following)• Methods of communication• Personnel requiring CPR and AED
training• Locations of AEDs for early defibrillation• Practice and review of the response plan
Early Recognition
Early CPR
Early AED
Chain of Survival
Improved
Survival
Recognition of SCA
• SCA should be suspected in any athlete who is collapsed and unresponsive
• SCA should be suspected in any non-traumatic collapse
• Brief seizure-like activity is common after collapse from SCA
• Seizure = SCA until proven otherwise• Occasional gasping is not normal
breathing… think SCA
Early CPR
• CPR can double or triple the chance of survival
• < 1/3 of SCA victims receive bystander CPR
• 2010 AHA guidelineso Hands-only CPRo Chest compressions
Push hard, push fast (100 per minute)
AEDs in Sport• AEDs provide a means of early
defibrillation and the potential for effective management of SCA
o Athleteso Studentso Staffo Spectatorso Coacheso Officialso Visitors
2007
The Collapsed and Unresponsive Athlete Management of SCA
• Suspect SCA in any collapsed and unresponsive athlete
• An AED should be applied as soon as possible for rhythm analysis and shock if indicated
Drezner; Heart Rhythm 2007
Steps in the Management of SCA
1.Recognize SCA2.Call for help / Call 9-1-13.Begin chest compressions (CPR)4.Retrieve the AED5.Apply and use the AED as soon as
possible6.Continue CPR until EMS arrives
Resources
Inter-Association Task Force Recommendations on Emergency Preparedness and Management of Sudden Cardiac Arrest in High School and College Athletic Programs: A Consensus Statement. Journal of Athletic Training 2007;42(1):143–158
NCAA Health and Safety• http://www.ncaa.org/wps/portal/ncaahome?WCM_GLOBA
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