It’s important that as many people as possible are trained in Chest compressions/CPR and using an AED, and they know what do if someone is in cardiac arrest. This includes coaches, managers, players, parents and spectators.
Recognise the emergency
- In training or games, if an athlete suddenly collapses, is unresponsive, not breathing, eyes rolled back or showing seizure-like behaviour we need to assume and behave as if this is a sudden cardiac arrest.
- Sudden cardiac arrest occurs without warning in seemingly healthy, young athletes.
Call for help right away
- Call an ambulance immediately and let them know it’s a ‘possible cardiac arrest’
- Ask someone to bring an automated external defibrillator (AED) if available.
Start CPR immediately
- Begin chest compressions – 100-120 compressions / minute
- Doing CPR can be very tiring – if possible and without interruption, it’s OK to have another help with compressions.
Use an AED as soon as possible
- Turn on the AED, follow the voice prompts and deliver the shock if advised
- Remember – AEDs cannot hurt or shock people that don’t need to be shocked.
- Continue CPR immediately after the shock and follow AED instructions until the ambulance arrives.
Remember: ‘Call, push, shock’.
- Call – 000 for an ambulance straight away
- Push – Start delivering CPR immediately
- Shock – Find and attach a defibrillator (AED) as soon as possible.
Watch our Animated Video on when & how to respond
What you can do
Donate (Tax-deductible) to support the work of the Foundation.
Your support helps us screen young athletes, educate communities, and build the infrastructure needed to prevent sudden cardiac arrests across Australia.
Register your interest for your community or school team’s heart screening
Check out education resources available now
Register your interest for training (aimed at coaches, managers, athletes and parents)
Volunteer with us by registering your interest (we’re looking for admin assistance, ECG technicians, nurses, paramedics, medical students, doctors, community & corporate engagement volunteers, fund raisers and others who are willing to support our work)
