Module I - Emergency Cardiac Care
Overview
In this module, the individual will learn how to manage episodes of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) on the race course. He/she will learn best-practice guidelines and preventive medical plans for healthcare professionals, as well as definitions, mechanisms, and symptoms of SCA. The final portion of the module introduces the use of algorithms for informed decision-making.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this module, the learner will know how to use basic skills while following an algorithm to manage episodes of sudden cardiac arrest on the race course.
Key Pedagogical Points
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- SCA is a medical emergency; therefore, immediate treatment is required on-site.
- SCA can lead to death; therefore, medical staff, volunteers, and runners must know the clinical presentation of this condition.
- When SCA occurs, rapid identification and treatment must be implemented. Having medical staff and volunteers trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), with rapid access to a defibrillation device, is vital to saving a life.
- In marathons, the incidence of cardiac arrest ranges from 1 to 2 per 100,000 runners.
- For every minute it takes to begin treatment, survival decreases by approximately 7%.
- Do not delay starting CPR unless an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is available immediately.
- Placing AEDs around the course at regular intervals and deploying mobile paramedics (bike teams) with AEDs is strongly recommended.
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