Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in the United States, taking the lives of an estimated 400,000 people each year. Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the electrical system of the heart malfunctions, causing the heart to stop beating. Sudden cardiac arrest is an indiscriminant killer and can strike anyone - including seemingly healthy young athletes, as we chronicled in this story.
One rare but potentially catastrophic phenomenon in athletes that results in sudden cardiac arrest is commotio cordis. Commotio cordis occurs when a blunt, but often relatively mild, blow to the area of the chest directly over the heart occurs during a precise moment of heart's cycle, leading to sudden cardiac arrest.
The most effective treatment for sudden cardiac arrest and, indeed, the only effective response to commotio cordis, is the timely delivery of a life-saving shock or defibrillation. Automated External Defibrillators (AED) are portable and easy-to-use devices that deliver potentially life-saving defibrillation therapy quickly and effectively.
Cardiac Safety - An AED on Every Field
The US Lacrosse Center for Sport Science has initiated a grant program to support local lacrosse organizations in getting an AED on every field.
AED Grant
AED units are unavailable for the 2020-21 grant cycle. To learn more about purchasing a unit at a discounted cost, please review the information below.
You can support the Cardiac Safety effort by making a gift that has the power to save a life. Donor support truly can help make lacrosse safer.
Discounted AED Available for Purchase
In addition to our AED grant program, US Lacrosse has partnered with One Beat to provide significantly discounted AED devices to all members of the lacrosse community, with some units offered for less than $1,000. We strongly encourage every team or program to purchase an AED in order to assure the safest possible environment for players, coaches, officials and spectators. Quite simply, AEDs save lives.
CPR and First Aid Training Kit
US Lacrosse has worked with the American Heart Association to meet the needs of local lacrosse teams and leagues with the development of an easy-to-use CPR & First Aid in Youth Sports Training Kit. This portable training kit is designed to facilitate training for youth coaches to ensure they know the lifesaving skills of CPR, how to use an AED, and how to help during sports related emergencies.
Related Info: AED & Commotio Cordis
• State Laws on Cardiac Arrest and AEDs
• US Lacrosse Praises NOCSAE Standard for Chest Protection
• NOCSAE's Chest Protector Standard
• Louis J. Acompora Foundation