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Protecting athletes this sports season with CPR training, AEDs, and safety plans ensures their well-being on and off the field.
As the sports season begins, protecting athletes this sports season is a top priority for clubs and teams. From local clubs to professional teams, taking proactive measures ensures that players stay safe on and off the pitch. Here’s how you can keep your athletes safe this season, with a special focus on cardiac health and emergency preparedness.
Every sport has risks, from minor strains to severe injuries like sprains, concussions, and fractures. Yet, one risk that many overlook is sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). According to the British Heart Foundation, SCA can strike without warning, even in young, fit athletes. Around 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur each year in the UK, with a survival rate of less than 10% without rapid intervention. The chance of survival decreases by 10% with each passing minute without defibrillation, making quick access to life-saving equipment crucial. Understanding this reality is vital to building a culture of preparedness and safety within your sports organisation.
Training is vital not just for players but also for coaches, staff, and even spectators. CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) helps keep blood flowing to the brain and vital organs during cardiac arrest, but it is most effective when used alongside an AED (Automated External Defibrillator). Regular CPR and AED training sessions should be part of your club’s safety routine, ensuring that all members understand the steps to take during a cardiac emergency. The Resuscitation Council UK recommends that anyone using an AED should receive basic training, but emphasises that AEDs are designed to be used by anyone, even without formal training. The key is to act fast and with confidence. For more information on AED training, visit Defib Supplies’ training resources.
Having AEDs on-site is crucial for all sports facilities. According to the NHS, defibrillation within three to five minutes of collapse can produce survival rates as high as 50% to 70%. AEDs deliver a shock to the heart when it detects a life-threatening rhythm, such as ventricular fibrillation. AEDs are simple to use, providing voice prompts that guide users through each step. Place your AEDs in visible and accessible areas, such as near sports halls, training fields, and gym entrances. This ensures that anyone can find and use them quickly when needed. For guidance on choosing the right AED for your club, check out our guide to AEDs.
It is not enough to have AEDs available; they must be well-maintained to ensure they function properly in an emergency. Routine checks should include inspecting the battery life, ensuring the pads are in date, and testing the device according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. An AED with expired pads or a low battery can delay treatment and reduce the chances of survival. Conduct routine inspections and keep a maintenance schedule, noting when replacements are needed. This ensures that your AEDs are always ready to use. For maintenance advice, see our AED maintenance tips.
Promoting a heart-healthy lifestyle among athletes can prevent cardiac issues and boost overall performance. Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Proper hydration is also essential, especially during high-intensity activities where athletes lose fluids through sweat. Make sure your players drink water before, during, and after exercise to maintain optimal hydration levels. Encourage proper warm-up and cool-down routines to prepare muscles and the heart for intense activity. Stress the importance of listening to their bodies and not pushing through pain, as this could be a sign of an underlying issue that requires medical attention. Regular medical check-ups can also help identify any potential heart risks before they become serious.
Working with local healthcare providers adds an extra layer of safety for your team. Consider having medical professionals on standby during matches or training sessions, especially for high-contact sports like football, rugby, or hockey. These professionals can provide immediate care for injuries and help stabilise a player experiencing a cardiac event until emergency services arrive. Building relationships with local hospitals and emergency services ensures quicker response times and better care. The NHS recommends close coordination with medical services for events to enhance the safety of all participants. For guidance, visit NHS Sports Safety.
An Emergency Action Plan (EAP) ensures that everyone knows what to do in a cardiac emergency. An effective EAP should include clear roles for coaches, staff, and even players. This plan should detail who is responsible for calling emergency services, retrieving the AED, and performing CPR. It should also highlight the locations of all AEDs on-site and provide contact information for local emergency responders. Practising this plan regularly during training ensures that everyone is familiar with their role and can act quickly if an emergency happens. Keep a printed copy of the EAP in visible locations throughout your facility and ensure all new members receive a copy as part of their induction.
Raising awareness among athletes and their families about cardiac health is key to preventing emergencies. Explain the warning signs of cardiac distress, such as unexplained chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, or dizziness during activity. Young athletes may dismiss these symptoms as normal fatigue, but they can be early indicators of a serious issue. Encourage athletes to report these symptoms promptly and seek medical advice before resuming training. Promoting open conversations about heart health can help reduce the stigma around discussing personal health concerns, leading to earlier intervention and better outcomes.
Allowing athletes sufficient time to recover is critical to their overall health. Overtraining can lead to injuries like muscle strains and joint damage, but it can also place additional stress on the heart. Recovery helps to repair muscles and maintain cardiovascular health. Make sure rest days are part of training schedules and that athletes have access to recovery resources such as physiotherapy, sports massage, and mental health support. Mental well-being is also a key part of recovery. Stress management techniques like mindfulness and proper sleep can improve an athlete’s resilience and performance. Emphasising recovery helps to sustain performance while protecting their long-term well-being.
Protecting your athletes this sports season means more than just preparing them to perform. It involves creating a safe environment where their well-being is the priority. By equipping your facility with AEDs, providing CPR training, and promoting a heart-focused approach, you can ensure your athletes remain safe throughout the season. Visit Defib Supplies to learn more about how we support sports teams in keeping their athletes safe. Together, we can make this season a success for all the right reasons.