A SADS Fact of Life - March 2015
Posted: Mon, 09 Mar 2015
The most important thing your sports club has to do this year
The Trust as part of its SADS awareness programme report daily on the devastating impact of sudden cardiac death in young people which are posted on the Trust facebook and twitter. Some heart breaking and some truly inspirational stories of survival reported in the press from across the UK and other parts of the global village including from our dear friends Youth Heart Watch Australia.
https://www.wrdw.com/home/headlines/Timeline-of-Josey-students-death-released-285719171.html
It's another reminder as to why we can't take anything for granted whether in schools, community life and why the 'world of sport' also needs to raise its game with regard to the health and welfare of those young people participating in sports activity.
Now we know! that seemingly fit and healthy young people can also be susceptible to preventable, undiagnosed heart conditions - are we do doing everything possible to ensure we are ready and prepared for the worst- case scenario #SADS #CA?
Answer these key questions?:
- Do you know what symptoms to look out for? http://jhmt.org.uk/sads1
- Do you have enough people trained in CPR including more than just a couple of coaches? are the players trained in how to save a life? if not, why not? they could the first on the scene and only a couple of feet away from a collapse - every second counts.
- Do you have access to a AED? if yes - Is there clear and visible signage as to the whereabouts of the lifesaving equipment? could it be accessible on a external wall outside the club premises to help the local community 24/7?
- and is there adequate number of people trained in how to use one? including all players and officials.
- Does the club have an emergency action plan that includes how to deal with a CA? Does the club carry out drills on how to deal with a CA? As one does with regard to a fire drill/evacuation from a building? After all it takes seconds to save a life.
If the answer is 'no' to the above - then there no time to waste and follow a growing band of clubs who are in a league of their own when it comes to being prepared and ready to save a life. - go to: http://jhmt.org.uk/news/2015/02/leaflets-life-saving-message
Community football club AFC Andrews, based in Aylestone, is one of the local clubs leading the way in lifesaving training, and has also installed a defibrillator which is available for community use at any time.
Darren Creed from AFC Andrews said: "It's vitally important for parents to know that when their kids attend their local sports club, everyone there is aware what to do, not just one or two first-aiders.
"It's also really important that a defibrillator is available in case of an emergency. Sports clubs should do all they can to ensure they're ready to act in a worst-case scenario.
"That's why we didn't hesitate to sign up for the training from JHMT, learn vital life-saving skills and get a defibrillator installed. This training really is the most important thing local clubs have to do this year."
To find out more information about the training, further advice and to view an online copy of the leaflet, visit www.jhmt.org.uk/heartstart
More information: https://www.jhmt.org.uk/heartstart