Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, claiming over 300,000 lives each year - more than lung cancer and breast cancer combined. While many associate cardiac emergencies with older adults, SCA can strike anyone, anytime, anywhere - including young athletes in peak condition.
As athletic trainers and sports medicine professionals, you’re not just responsible for injury prevention and recovery - you’re also the first line of defense when a life-threatening emergency strikes on the field, court, or track. That’s why having an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on-site is only part of the equation. Ensuring that your AED is fully functional and accessible can make the difference between life and death.
SCA vs. Heart Attack: Know the Difference
A common misconception is that a heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest are the same. They are not. A heart attack involves a blocked artery and damaged heart muscle - often accompanied by symptoms like chest pain, nausea, or discomfort. The individual usually remains conscious.
SCA, however, occurs when the heart's electrical system fails, leading to an erratic or stopped heartbeat. This can happen without warning and causes the person to collapse and lose consciousness immediately. The only effective response? Immediate CPR and a shock from an AED.
SCA Risk Factors in Athletics
While SCA most commonly affects adults over 60, athletes are not immune. Risks increase with:
- Undiagnosed heart conditions
- Commotio cordis (a sudden blow to the chest)
- Family history of cardiac arrest or arrhythmias
- Substance abuse
- Intense physical exertion triggering abnormal heart rhythms
Regardless of the cause, without rapid response, SCA is fatal. But when defibrillation is delivered within the first few minutes, survival rates can soar above 70%.
AED Ownership: More Than a Box on the Wall
Owning an AED is not a one-and-done purchase, it’s a life-saving tool that requires regular attention. To ensure your AED is ready when needed, follow this quick maintenance guide:
AED Quick Check Checklist
- Frequency: Monthly or Per Manufacturer Guidelines
- Battery Status: Confirm expiration date and check for visual “OK” or “Ready” indicators.
- Pads & Electrodes: Ensure they are sealed, unexpired, and stored correctly.
- Supplies: Keep essential accessories (e.g., scissors, razor, gloves, CPR mask) stocked in or near the AED.
- Visible & Accessible: AEDs should be easy to locate and remove from their case, don’t let them get buried behind equipment.
- Status Indicator Light: Most AEDs have a green or blinking light when functioning properly. No light or has a red indicator? Take action immediately.
- Recordkeeping: Log each check – date, initials, and any actions taken. This helps demonstrate compliance and readiness.
Tip: Set calendar reminders and assign AED check responsibilities to specific staff members.
How Many AEDs Do You Actually Need?
In large or multi-building athletic facilities, a single AED may not be enough. To ensure proper coverage and response time, consider placing additional AEDs in the presence of the following:
- Every additional 150,000 square feet beyond the first 150,000
- For each 2 acres of outdoor space
- On every third floor of multi-story buildings
- In areas with limited or difficult access
- In each public lobby or main entrance
- For each emergency response team requiring dedicated equipment
AEDs should be placed where they can be retrieved and used within 3 minutes or less, a best practice standard that can dramatically improve outcomes in a cardiac emergency.
Tools You Can Use: Printable AED Reference Materials
Maintain AED readiness with these practical, printable tools developed with input from our product vendors to assist athletic staff with routine checks and planning. These materials can help guide your annual AED inspections, support internal audits, and simplify compliance tracking:
- AED Questionnaire: Use this to assess your current AED program setup and identify areas for improvement
- AED Quick Check Guide: A quick-reference tool for monthly or annual inspections, organized by AED brand
- AED Site Assessment Worksheet: A planning tool to evaluate how many AEDs your athletic facility may require, based on space and accessibility needs
Need help identifying what you need? These tools can be a great starting point for internal conversations with safety committees, administrators, or purchasing departments.
Be Prepared Because Seconds Matter
SCA can’t be predicted, but it can be survived when the right steps are taken. As stewards of athlete health and safety, it's our duty to help athletic programs stay informed, whether it's the importance of AED accessibility, routine inspections, or staff training. By sharing knowledge and offering access to the life-saving products we provide, we support those who are responsible for creating safer environments on the field, in the gym, and throughout the entire facility.
Take time to ask:
“If it happened today, would we be ready?”
This article was written with the help of AI.
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this site, including text, graphics, images, and other material are for informational purposes only and are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.
