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- ~3,000 young people die of sudden cardiac death (SCD) each year [Center for Disease
Control, 1999 report].
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the leading cause of SCD in young athletes.
- Sports Pre-participation Physical Exams (PPE) do not normally include adequate investigation of the young
athlete's family or personal cardiac history.
- Brain death starts to occur in just 4 to 6 minutes following a SCA.
- A victim's chances of survival are reduced by 7 to 10% with every minute that passes
without treatment.
- Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) are normally not readily accessible. AEDs are normally
brought by EMS personnel.
- EMS personnel typically arrive within 9 minutes of call.
- There is no national standard for PPEs or the associated form.
- EKG and Echocardiograms are not part of a PPE.
Solutions
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)
- Have Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) more accessible.
- Insure all EMS units have a working AED.
- Place AEDs with other "first responders" - police, firefighters, etc.
- Place AEDs in all schools.
- Place AEDs in all public places. For example, airports, train stations, bus stations, courthouses, shopping malls,
etc.
- Place AEDs in private businesses.
- Have specific, written guidelines for storage and use of AEDs.
- AEDs must be accessible at the facility, not locked away in an office.
- AEDs must be at the athletic field, court or swim pool during an athletic event.
- Multiple people must be trained in the use of AEDs.
- Train the general public how to use AEDs.
- Today's AEDs are easily operated by trained personnel.
- Training is very easy. It is combined with CPR training.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
- HCM can not be cured. Therefore, early detection is critical so that treatment
can begin.
- Improved Preparticipation Physical Exams are neccessary
- exams must include questions regarding family cardiac history
- exams must include questions that investigte the students heart health
- exam must include EKG and Echocardiogram for suspected HCM situation.
- Educate parents, students, and medical personnel about HCM.
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