Game winning shots, missed shots, early morning practices, late night
practices. Sprained ankles, torn ACL's, fractured arms- these are all events
that many 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 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 NCCS we are fortunate enough to have access to AED's relatively easily whether it be our portable one or the strategically placed ones in each of the buildings. Do you know where they are located? Do you know how to use them if needed? Do you have CPR and AED training and current certification?
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". Well, luckily here at NCCS we use the Winter Club for hockey home practices/games and they do have an AED. Do you know where it is in case of an emergency? It seems as though it is logical in this
day and age that venues would have one- but I can tell you, you would be amazed
how many don't. Many high schools even
struggle with providing a portable AED for their athletic trainer to have at
sporting events.
I
challenge you to take a look at the sports complexes you travel to either with NCCS 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. It could save someones life!
For
more information regarding AED's
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