Practical management of sudden cardiac arrest on the football field. Issue 16 (3rd August 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kramer, Efraim Benjamin; Botha, Martin; Drezner, Jonathan; Abdelrahman, Yasser; Dvorak, Jiri
• Is Part Of: British journal of sports medicine. Volume 46:Issue 16(2012)
• Page Start: 1094
• Page End: 1096
• Publication Date: 2012-08-03
• Subjects: Sports medicine -- Periodicals; 617.1027
• DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2012-091376
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-3674

Abstract

Abstract : Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) remains a tragic occurrence on the football field. The limits of preparticipation cardiovascular screening make it compulsory that prearranged emergency medical services be available at all football matches to immediately respond to any collapsed player. Management of SCA involves prompt recognition, immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and early defibrillation. Any football player who collapses without contact with another player or obstacle should be regarded as being in SCA until proven otherwise. An automated external defibrillator (AED), or manual defibrillator if an AED is not available, should be immediately accessible on the field during competitions. This study presents guidelines for a practical and systematic approach to the management of SCA on the football field.