SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST CAUSE A

SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST

SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST CAUSE: A structural or electrical disorder in the heart that leads to a lethal arrhythmia. FACT: SCA is not the same as a heart attack. FACT: SCA is the No. 1 cause of death for youth and teen athletes during sport. Two-thirds of all these deaths occur in football and basketball.

PRESEASON SCREENING • Comprehensive physical evaluation • Comprehensive symptom and family heart history • Electrocardiogram (EKG) screening § Qualified professional

RECOGNITION and RESPONSE All collapsed and unresponsive athletes should be treated as SCA until proven otherwise. • Lack of symptoms and warning signs • Difficulty in initial identifying of injury § Seizure-like activity • Time is No. 1 safety factor

RECOGNITION and RESPONSE Those that do show warning signs most often report: • Chest pain • Racing heart when it shouldn't be • Shortness of breath that is disproportionate to level of exercise • Prior episodes of passing out

EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN • Location of AEDs at all practice and game fields • Mechanism to call 9 -1 -1 • Training in CPR and AED • Emergency routes to practice and game facilities and designated personnel to meet and direct emergency responders • Personnel to stay with child if guardian is not present • Player/parent phone numbers available and personnel dedicated to contact family