Resuscitation on the field: basic and advanced life support and automatic external defibrillators

Resuscitation on the playing field is at least as important as screening in the prevention of death. Even if a screening strategy is largely effective, individuals will suffer sudden cardiac arrests. Timely recognition of a cardiac arrest with rapid implementation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and deployment and use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) will save lives. Basic life support, including CPR and AED use, should be a requirement for all those involved in sports, including athletes. An emergency action plan is important in order to render advanced cardiac life support and arrange for transport to medical centres.