Cardiac Arrest and Resuscitation

BOC Domains of Athletic Training: Domain I - Risk Reduction, Wellness, and Health Literacy Domain II - Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis Domain Ill - Critical Incident Management Presentation Description: Cardiac arrest is a life-threatening event that demands swift and informed action. This presentation delves into the pathophysiology of cardiac arrest and provides insights into when resuscitation may or may not be appropriate. We'll also explore the Chain of Survival concept, emphasizing the critical role of early defibrillation and effective CPR techniques in improving survival rates. Learning Objectives: Describe the pathophysiology of cardiac arrest. Identify situations for withholding resuscitative attempts. Explain the Chain of Survival for cardiac arrest. Discuss the importance of early defibrillation and CPR techniques. Clinical Practice Gap Statement: While athletic trainers are skilled in managing sports-related conditions, they may lack in-depth understanding of the complex pathophysiology behind cardiac arrest and the decision-making involved in resuscitative attempts. This gap can significantly impact the quality of emergency care provided, leading to less than ideal outcomes for athletes experiencing cardiac emergencies. Clinical Bottom Line Statement: For athletic trainers, gaining a nuanced understanding of cardiac arrest pathophysiology is crucial. Equally vital is the ability to discern situations where resuscitative attempts should be withheld. Understanding and applying the Chain of Survival, along with effective early defibrillation and CPR techniques, can substantially improve survival outcomes in athletic settings experiencing cardiac emergencies. Summary Conclusion Statements: A deep grasp of the pathophysiology of cardiac arrest is essential for making prompt and effective interventions. Identifying instances where resuscitation is not warranted is as crucial as knowing when immediate action is required. Mastery of the Chain of Survival, especially the roles of early defibrillation and proficient CPR, is indispensable in optimizing cardiac emergency outcomes.

      Rick Slaven is the Director of Students for the Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM) in Harrogate TN. In that role, he is responsible for the academic and professional progress of a student body of more than 400 students per class. Slaven, a licensed critical care paramedic, has presented at more than 150 local, state, and national conferences. Slaven specializes in 12 lead ECG interpretation and cardiac electrophysiology. He has also served on committees for the Tennessee Board of EMS, the National Association of EMS Educators, and the Tennessee EMS Educators Association. He has also helped develop courses for the National Association of EMTs. Rick is a three-time winner of the highest award given to a staff/faculty member of DCOM. His doctoral coursework has focused on the human element of healthcare and why providers sometimes exhibit less than professional behavior. Rick has been inducted into Omricon Delta Kappa (ODK) as well as the Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS). A Middle Tennessee State University graduate with a master’s degree in public safety, Slaven also holds a Certificate of Student Well-being, Trauma, and Reliance from Florida State University and professional certification in Trauma and Resilience, also from FSU. In 2021, the Arnold Gold Foundation recognized Rick as a Gold Foundation Champion of Humanistic Care for his work during the COVID pandemic.

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 0.75 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.