When a young athlete collapses during a game, it’s frightening, and every few years cases make national news. Most collapses aren’t caused by the heart, but some are caused by sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), which is a medical emergency. This post explains what SCA is, the warning signs, and why quick CPR and an AED save lives. It is general information, not medical advice.
What sudden cardiac arrest is
SCA happens when the heart suddenly stops pumping effectively, usually because of an electrical problem. The person collapses, is unresponsive and isn’t breathing normally. Without treatment within minutes, it is usually fatal. It’s different from a heart attack, which is a blockage of blood flow, though a heart attack can trigger SCA.
Warning signs to take seriously
Some athletes have warning signs before an arrest. The American Heart Association and youth sports organizations advise seeing a doctor for:
- Fainting or near-fainting, especially during or right after exercise
- Chest pain or a racing heartbeat with exercise
- Unusual shortness of breath
- A family history of sudden death before age 50 or known inherited heart conditions
What to do if a player collapses
- Call 911 right away.
- Start CPR if the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally (hands-only CPR: push hard and fast in the center of the chest).
- Get an AED and use it as soon as it arrives. AEDs give voice instructions and are designed for bystanders.
AEDs at courts and gyms
Survival depends on how quickly a shock is delivered. Schools, gyms and leagues can help by keeping an AED within reach of every court, having a written emergency action plan, and training coaches in CPR and AED use.
Sources: American Heart Association, CPR; AHA, Cardiac Arrest.
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