Safety for Our Children
What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
Sudden Cardiac Death: (Commotio Cordis), is caused by a blow to the chest directly over the heart in between beats, leading to sudden cardiac arrest.
The survival rate of an individual declines approximately 10%
for every minute that passes without defibrillation
Why Does This Matter For Youth Players?
While a heart attack, sudden cardiac arrest, or seizure can happen to anyone at any time, Commotio Cordis (a disruption of heart rhythm that occurs as a result of a blow to the area directly over the heart at a critical time during the cycle of a heart beat) is a special concern for young boys and girls who play sports where the ball reaches speeds over 45 mph.
It is the second leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes
Since 1998, more than 150 youngsters have died from this condition.
Know the Chain of Survival
When a child has a sudden cardiac arrest there is a critical 3-5 minute window for that child to be saved.
Know the chain of survival which may include any of the following:
- collapsed and unresponsive, gasping, gurgling, seizure like activity
- Early access to 9-1-1
- Begin CPR immediately
- Retrieve and begin use of an AED immediately
- Early Advanced Care from first responders.
What is an AED?
An automated external defibrillator or AED is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses cardiac arrhythmias of ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia, and is able to treat them through the application of electrical therapy which stops the arrhythmia, allowing the heart to re-establish an effective rhythm.
AEDs are designed to be simple to use for the layman, and the use of AEDs is taught in many first aid, first responder and basic life saupport classes.
How to use an AED?
AED-specific training is required.
"When turned on or opened, the AED will instruct the user to connect the electrodes (pads) to the patient. Once the pads are attached, everyone should avoid touching the patient so as to avoid false readings by the unit. The pads allow the AED to examine the electrical output from the heart and determine if the patient is in a shockable rhythm (either ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia). If the device determines that a shock is warranted, it will use the battery to charge its internal capacitor in preparation to deliver the shock. This system is not only safer (charging only when required), but also allows for a faster delivery of the electrical current.
When charged, the device instructs the user to ensure no one is touching the patient and then to press a button to deliver the shock; human intervention is usually required to deliver the shock to the patient in order to avoid the possibility of accidental injury to another person (which can result from a responder or bystander touching the patient at the time of the shock). After the shock is delivered most devices will analyze the patient and either instruct CPR to be given, or administer another shock."
What is a Heartguard?
Heart guards are rapidly becoming a popular item to use in the field for youth leagues after several high profile incidents involving hard batted balls hitting kids in the chest. They can help prevent commotio cordis. They can be purchased at many sports equipment stores or online.
