Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK) has published a new practical guide to help everyone involved in grassroots sport recognise cardiac arrest and act fast to help save a life and support a full recovery.
New findings commissioned by RCUK reveal that nearly one in three people (33%) wouldn’t know how to perform CPR if someone had a cardiac arrest at a community sporting event. While almost half (46%) don’t know where the nearest defibrillator is located at their local sports venue.
The Resuscitation in community sports: a national best practice guide is designed for players, coaches, volunteers and spectators across all sports. The guide provides clear, step-by-step advice on recognising cardiac arrest, calling 999, starting CPR and using a defibrillator. It also sets out practical steps clubs and organisers can take to prepare for emergencies.
Cardiac arrest is the most time critical medical emergency. For every minute without CPR or defibrillation, the chance of survival falls by 10%, while starting CPR quickly and using a defibrillator can more than double survival chances.
This new publication promotes life-saving preparedness into everyday community settings, where formal medical cover is rarely available and where swift action by those present can make all the difference.
James Cant, Chief Executive of Resuscitation Council UK, said: “Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time. In grassroots sport, where medical experts aren’t always present, preparation can help save lives. This guidance gives clubs, organisers, players and spectators practical, achievable steps to put emergency plans in place. You don’t need to be a healthcare professional to make a difference - you just need to be ready.”
The free PDF guide is available to download here.