Case Report Reviews: EAP Gaps Revealed in Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) in Athletics

Course Description: The presentation titled "Case Report Reviews: EAP Gaps Revealed in Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) in Athletics" aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the gaps in Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) for sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in athletics. The symposium will cover critical failure points in athletic emergency response and planning, which lead to sudden cardiac death (SCD). Epidemiological data for SCA in athletics will be discussed, and contemporary components of emergency action plans will be analyzed to develop and implement comprehensive policies and procedures. The symposium will also address the layperson and medical provider educational and practice gaps that can be utilized to mitigate the incidence of sudden cardiac death (SCA) in athletics. BOC Domains of Athletic Training: Domain I - Risk Reduction, Wellness, and Health Literacy Domain II Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis Domain Ill - Critical Incident Management Domain V - Healthcare Administration and Professional Responsibility Practice Gap: Athletic trainers and other healthcare providers may lack comprehensive knowledge and skills in identifying critical failure points in Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) for sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in athletics, and in implementing contemporary components of EAPs to mitigate the incidence of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in athletics. Additionally, there is a lack of awareness and understanding of the need for layperson and medical provider education and practice gaps to effectively address SCA in athletics. This gap prevents effective implementation of policies and procedures for prompt and effective emergency response to SCA in athletics, which is crucial in reducing the incidence of SCD. Therefore, there is a need for targeted educational interventions to improve the knowledge, skills, and understanding of healthcare providers regarding EAPs for SCA in athletics, critical failure points, and the importance of layperson and medical provider education to mitigate SCD in athletics. This intervention will bridge the practice gap and ensure comprehensive policies and procedures are developed and implemented to reduce the incidence of SCD in athletics. Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: Discuss and analyze epidemiological data for sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in athletics. Identify and analyze contemporary components of emergency action plans utilized in developing and implementing comprehensive policies and procedures. Address critical failure points in athletic emergency response and planning in which sudden cardiac death (SCD) occurred. Identify layperson and medical provider educational and practice gaps that can be utilized to mitigate the incidence of sudden cardiac death (SCA). Clinical Bottom Line: The symposium highlights the gaps in Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) for sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in athletics. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive policies and procedures, identifying critical failure points, and educating both laypersons and medical providers to mitigate the incidence of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in athletics. Summary Conclusions: Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in athletics is a critical issue that requires a comprehensive approach. Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) for SCA in athletics must address critical failure points and include contemporary components. Education and training for both laypersons and medical providers are crucial in mitigating the incidence of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in athletics. Policies and procedures must be developed and implemented to ensure prompt and effective emergency response to SCA in athletics.

Ray Castle, PhD, LAT, ATC, NREMT BIOGRAPHY A native of St. Joseph, LA and a 1990 graduate of LSU, Castle has an extensive background in education, clinical practice, and professional service spanning over 32 years. Dr. Castle's clinical practice background has included experiences at the high school, college, and international (1996 Atlanta Olympic Games; USOC Sports Medicine Staff for 2003 Pan American Games; and 2004 US Women's Bobsled) levels, large-scale medical coverage and coordination, as well as extensive experience in emergency medicine. He received his undergraduate degree in Kinesiology from Louisiana State University, where he began as an athletic training student.  Ray received his Master of Science and his Doctor of Philosophy in Human Performance and Recreation from The University of Southern Mississippi. Additionally, Ray is a nationally registered emergency medical technician (NREMT) as well as an EMS Instructor through the Louisiana State Bureau of EMS. Castle is nationally known and recognized for his skills and contributions to advancing the athletic training profession and advocacy for sports health and safety through 200+ presentations, research projects, and publications.  He has served in various leadership roles in state, regional, and national organizations, including a member of the National Athletic Trainers' Association Education Council (2004-2008), Board Commissioner on the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) from 2011-2017, and Vice-President of the Louisiana Athletic Trainers' Association (2013-2016). Ray is also the recipient of numerous awards and accolades, including National Athletic Trainers' Association Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer (MDAT) in 2017, induction into the Southeast Athletic Trainers' Association Hall of Fame in 2014, and Louisiana Athletic Trainers' Association Hall of Fame in 2019. After a 20-year stay at LSU where he was Professor and Athletic Training Program Director, Castle transitioned in August 2022 to devote his energy and passion to Action Medicine Consultants, LLC, as Owner and Chief Medical Officer since 2012. His company provides sports medicine event coordination; emergency medicine and response training; EAP development and audits for organizations; and continuing education courses. One of his most recent activities was serving as a consultant for the Louisiana High School Athletics Association in the development and implementation of its Pre-Game Administrative Conference (PAC), or “medical time-out” program. He currently serves as medical coordinator for over 20 large-scale events in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. Ray is married to the former Katherine Vanduzee of Baton Rouge, LA. Katherine is an administrative assistant who attended LSU.

Action Medicine Consultants, LLC (BOC AP#: P12095) is approved by the Board of Certification, Inc. to provide continuing education to Athletic Trainers (ATs). This program is eligible for a maximum of 1.0 Category A hours/CEUs. ATs should claim only those hours actually spent in the educational program. GENERAL DISCLAIMER: It is the responsibility of the participant, relying on the independent expertise and knowledge of the patient, to determine the best treatment and method of application for the patient. Participants must use discretion when using the information contained within this presentation.  The presenter has provided the following regarding disclaimers: The information and content provided in this course are for informational purposes only. The presenter nor Action Medicine Consultants, LLC bears no liability for your use of this information and content. The views expressed in this course are those of the presenter(s). CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: In compliance with continuing education requirements, all presenters must disclose any financial or other associations with the manufacturers of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services, or commercial supporters as well as any use of unlabeled product(s) or product(s) under investigational use.  This presentation does not involve the unlabeled use of a product or product under investigational use.  During the presentation, the presenter provides disclosure of any relevant financial relationships or other associations.  Refund Policy:  Live (virtual or in-person) Courses - Full refunds (Minus 10% for handling fees) are given after completion of the course if cancellation request is received 14 days prior to the course date. No refunds will be given after this deadline, but fees may be applied to another current or a future course. This also applies to virtual courses if a technical issue occurred on the presenter side that prevented a full presentation from being performed. On-Demand Courses - No refunds will be given, but fees may be applied to another current or a future course if there is a technical issue in Action Medicine Consultant's delivery of the course and in which no certificate of completion was issued.