AED's: POTENTIALLY LIFE SAVING DEVICES

Game winning shots, missed shots, early morning practices, late night practices. Sprained ankles, torn ACL's, fractured arms- these are all events that we all probably consider "a day in the life" of those involved with athletics. But have you thought that sudden cardiac arrest, heart disease, and commotio cordis- a blow to the chest resulting in arrhythmia and often death are also potential "day in the life" events in athletics. As athletic trainers- WE DO!

Automatic External Defibrillators also known as AED's are life saving, essentially fool proof and recommended by most governing agencies that are aware of it's potential life saving ability. So why aren't they in all sports complexes, athletic events, public schools and places of the such? Is it political red tape? Is it liability? Is it financial reasons? Or is it all of these and more? I tend to lean with the latter.

Here at BSU we are fortunate enough to have access to AED's relatively easily whether it be our portable one or the strategically placed one in Kelly and Tinsley. Also, our campus police cars are all equipped with AED's as well and all trained in the use of the AED. We are on the fortunate side.

Have you thought of if the ice hockey rink you drop your child off for hockey practice has one? Or the sports complex where you take your son or daughter for lacrosse or soccer practice- do they have one? Most of you will probably answer this question by saying "I don't know". It seems as though it is logical in this day and age that they would have one- but I can tell you, you would be amazed how many don't. I work at several hockey rinks and none of the rinks I work at primarily have one although hockey is a high risk sport. many high schools even struggle with providing a portable AED for their athletic trainer to have at sporting events.

This last month has resulted in more than a dozen legislation pieces in 10 states including Massachusetts regarding AED's. Ranging from requiring AED's in all primary and secondary schools, requiring AED's at middle school and high school sporting events, requiring health clubs to have AED's, requiring employee training, and even protecting those who use a public AED with the Good Samaritan laws. Massachusetts is pushing to require CPR and AED for high school graduation.

With the potential new legislation, increase in funding and resources to obtain AED's, hopefully we will see a rise in accessible AED's in public places and sports venues and fewer preventable cardiac related deaths.

I challenge you to take a look at the sports complexes you travel to either with BSU or your own children or grandchildren and take notice of AED's. Inquire if the venue has one and who is trained. If you are a parent of a high school or middle school athlete- ask your child's athletic trainer if they have an AED with them.

For more information regarding AED's

http://www.cardiacscience.com/blog/2011/03/new-aed-legislation-february-2011/

http://cf.nata.org/statements/official/AEDofficialstatement.pdf

http://www.sca-aware.org/schools/building-a-heart-safe-school

http://www.suddendeathathletes.org/about_sdia.asp