National athletic trainers' association position statement: preventing sudden death in sports.

OBJECTIVE To present recommendations for the prevention and screening, recognition, and treatment of the most common conditions resulting in sudden death in organized sports. BACKGROUND Cardiac conditions, head injuries, neck injuries, exertional heat stroke, exertional sickling, asthma, and other factors (eg, lightning, diabetes) are the most common causes of death in athletes. RECOMMENDATIONS These guidelines are intended to provide relevant information on preventing sudden death in sports and to give specific recommendations for certified athletic trainers and others participating in athletic health care.