Emergency Evaluation of the Collapsed Athlete
This session explores the critical causes and evaluation of exertional collapse in athletes, with a primary focus on sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Attendees will review the key differentiators of life-threatening conditions such as heat stroke, anaphylaxis, and exercise-associated hyponatremia, and learn practical strategies for on-scene assessment and management. Real-world case studies, including a marathon-related cardiac arrest, provide context for recognizing structural and electrical heart disorders that may underlie SCA. This talk equips EMS providers with vital tools to rapidly identify, treat, and improve outcomes in athletic emergencies.
Objectives:
- Discuss the epidemiology of athlete collapse (i.e. location, age, risk factors, etc.)
- Learn to identify and treat benign causes of collapse
- Learn to identify and treat treat life-threatening causes of collapse