National Youth Sports Safety Month: Importance of CPR & AED Training

April marks National Youth Sports Safety Month, a time to reflect on the safety and well-being of young athletes. Along with the benefits of sports participation, it’s equally important to recognize the importance of preparing for emergencies, especially sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).

Tragically, the recent death of Belen Jesuit sophomore Lucas Osuna at a high school water polo tournament has spotlighted this vital issue. The student athlete suffered sudden cardiac arrest. According to media reports, the boy’s family states the he had a previously undiagnosed condition that can lead to heart issues.

“It is a tragedy to be sure, and I can’t imagine what this young man's family is dealing with right now,” said Eli Friedman, M.D., director of Sports Cardiology at Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute.

It’s crucial for an athlete’s parents to know their family medical history and report any symptoms -- such as dizziness, an irregular heartbeat, trouble breathing and heaviness of chest – to their family doctor, Dr. Friedman said. However, requiring an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) may not be a viable solution because up to half of causes of cardiac arrest in sports would not be detected by an electrocardiogram, he adds.

“The ECG can be performed on athletes and is currently being used by countless amateur and professional sporting organizations across the country,” explains Dr. Friedman. “The debate now centers on how the screening will be conducted as part of a comprehensive package for pre-participation sport evaluation.”

Responding to Cardiac Emergencies

Though incidents of SCA among young athletes are rare, the high-profile cases in professional sports over the past few years have underscored the significance of being ready for such emergencies—especially when it comes to knowing how to act fast.

Eli Friedman, M.D., medical director of sports cardiology at Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute.

 

One of the most proactive steps is to educate young athletes, along with their coaches and trainers, about responding to cardiac emergencies. In February, Baptist Health hosted Heart of the Game: CPR & AED Training for Student-Athletes in Miami. Held at the Baptist Health Training Facility, home to the Miami Dolphins, the event provided more than 600 student-athletes with hands-on experience in CPR and AED (automated external defibrillator) use.

The event was one of the largest CPR training initiatives for student-athletes in the country. It’s designed to equip the next generation of athletes with the knowledge and skills they need in the event of a cardiac emergency.

“Every second counts when an athlete suffers a cardiac event. Teaching CPR and ensuring an AED is nearby can mean the difference between life and death,” explains Dr. Friedman, who led the event. “Immediate, effective intervention can restore a heartbeat, prevent severe complications, and give someone the best chance at survival.”

The Heart of the Game event was a reflection of the growing importance of community engagement in cardiac safety. AED developer Avive generously donated two AEDs—one to Baptist Health and the other to Miami-Dade County Public Schools—further reinforcing the need to have life-saving tools accessible during athletic events.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest: What Every Parent Should Know

Sudden cardiac arrest is a medical emergency where the heart abruptly stops beating, and it can occur in people who may or may not have been diagnosed with heart disease. The condition can happen during any physical activity, including sports, or even during daily life. Though high-profile incidents in professional sports have raised awareness, Dr. Friedman stresses that SCA in young athletes isn’t happening more frequently than before.

“We’re more aware of sudden cardiac arrest than we were before, and we’ve heard about a lot of these high-profile events,” says Dr. Friedman. “The focus should be on getting people out there playing and playing as safely as possible—with safety plans in place to help if something really terrible happens.”

SCA can be caused by various factors, including heart attacks, weak heart muscles, or valvular heart disease. In athletes, these conditions may be more complex due to the demands placed on the body. In the United States alone, more than 356,000 cardiac arrests occur outside a hospital each year, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). Without immediate action, many of these incidents are fatal.

However, Dr. Friedman reassures parents that while they should remain vigilant, they need not live in constant fear. Regular physical exams and health screenings, particularly pre-participation exams, are key in detecting potential cardiac issues early.

“A pre-participation physical exam and a history is really important and it’s a key time for anyone, whether it be an elementary school athlete or a professional athlete,” Dr. Friedman explains. “Is there any family history that’s really concerning here? Any little skipping or racing heartbeats, chest pain, or difficulty breathing that someone might brush off? Those are things that need to be addressed.”

The Role of CPR & AED Training in Saving Lives

The key to preventing fatal outcomes from cardiac arrest is a swift response. Recognizing the symptoms—such as collapse, loss of consciousness, or a lack of pulse—can make all the difference. Immediate intervention with CPR and the use of an AED can dramatically increase the chances of survival.

To prepare for such emergencies, education is vital. Dr. Friedman, who serves as a team cardiologist for Inter Miami CF and is also involved in training coaches, athletes, and administrators, has long been an advocate for improving safety protocols in sports. His work involves not only raising awareness about cardiac arrest but also ensuring that schools and athletic programs are equipped with life-saving tools and trained personnel.

“Having AEDs available at sporting events is key, but the real difference comes from having people who know how to use them,” Dr. Friedman adds. “That’s why training everyone—from athletes to coaches—is so important.”

The Importance of AEDs in Sports Settings

AEDs are critical in responding to cardiac arrest by delivering a shock to the heart to restore its normal rhythm. According to the AHA, AEDs are essential in the survival of individuals experiencing SCA. When used within the first few minutes of collapse, they can significantly increase the likelihood of survival. However, having an AED isn’t enough. It’s equally important that coaches, athletes, and others in sports settings are trained to use them effectively.

In addition to training, it's essential that schools and athletic programs have AEDs available at all events, from youth leagues to high school sports. As seen in the Heart of the Game event, equipping young athletes with the tools to save lives goes hand in hand with providing the resources needed for safe participation.

Creating a Culture of Safety and Preparedness

The Heart of the Game event emphasized the importance of community, teamwork, and preparation. It was not just about learning how to perform CPR but also about ensuring that the environment—whether at school, on the field, or in a community center—supports safety measures. When everyone is educated on recognizing cardiac emergencies and knows how to act, the chances of saving a life are drastically improved.

In honor of National Youth Sports Safety Month, parents, coaches, and athletic programs are encouraged to take these steps:

1. Ensure that pre-participation physical exams are part of the athlete’s routine health check-ups.
2. Promote CPR and AED training for athletes, coaches, and school staff.
3. Advocate for the availability of AEDs at all athletic events, from youth leagues to high school sports.
4. Foster open conversations about heart health and safety protocols among parents, coaches, and athletes.

By fostering awareness, preparedness, and safety measures, communities can ensure that youth sports remain a source of enjoyment and physical well-being -- while protecting the health of our young athletes.