Addressing the risk factors and prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death in young athletes: a case report.

BACKGROUND Mandatory prescreening for the identification of risk factors and prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a widely debated topic within academic literature. In addition, the effective emergency management of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) has reported lower survival outcomes (9% with bystander CPR, 24% with AED application) although improvements, such as strategic placements of AED units and Hands-Only (compression only) CPR, are being made. PURPOSE This case will outline the importance of establishing a true SCD incidence rate and the increased need for trained personal with proper equipment available to deliver immediate emergency cardiac management. CONCLUSION Given the lack of overall expert consensus and the low survival outcomes associated with SCD, a true incidence rate will need to be determined prior to developing a widely accepted policy. Since pre-screening all young athletes does not appear to prevent all SCD's, having properly trained personnel and easily accessible equipment at sporting venues, especially in remote locations, appears to be key.