CERTIFIED ATHLETIC TRAINERS' KNOWLEDGE OF THE NATA POSITION STATEMENT OF PREVENTING SUDDEN DEATH IN SPORTS ASSOCIATED WITH SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST

Abstract

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) in athletes has become an increased concern for sports medicine and health care professionals covering athletic events. Death due to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) has effected all levels of athletes from middle school to professional. Three out of one-thousand athletes have a cardiac condition that puts them at risk for SCD (Geier, 2016). Unfortunately, only 5% of patients survive after going into cardiac arrest (Geier, 2016). The need for certified athletic trainers (AT) and health care professionals being able to recognize signs and symptoms, and having emergency action plans (EAP) set in place, will only increase the athletes’ odds of survival. Certified athletic trainers must be aware of the position statement presented by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) in regards to preventing sudden cardiac death, specifically sudden cardiac death. This study has developed a test to determine an ATs knowledge of sudden cardiac death in athletes. It will benefit the athletes playing the game they love, as well as test the knowledge of the ATs.