Cardiac Arrest on the Golf Course
Cardiac arrest is deadly.Out of hospital, the golf course is one of the most common locations for cardiac arrest to occur.
It can occur to anyone regardless of age or fitness and at any time.
If no action is taken the result is brain damage and death within minutes.
Prompt recognition followed by the correct actions can save a life.
What is a cardiac arrest arrest?
A cardiac arrest is a condition where the heart stops beating and stops pumping blood around the body.It occurs suddenly and unexpectedly.
The victim becomes unconscious and stops breathing. There is no pulse to feel.
A cardiac arrest is not the same as a heart attack.
A cardiac arrest occurs because of an electrical malfunction in the heart.A heart attack occurs when an artery to the muscle of the heart becomes blocked.
Recognition of cardiac arrest
The victim will suddenly collapse and become unresponsive.Breathing stops or becomes abnormal e.g. irregular and/or gasping.
Do you know what to do?
Click on the link to view four interactive films that explain the procedures to follow if someone collapses in your presence.Spare an hour of your time and you could save the life of a friend or loved one.
Automatic external defibrillator (AED)
At Churchill & Blakedown Golf Club this is located by the front entrance.
During a cardiac arrest you should use an AED as soon as possible. This portable device can be used by anyone to shock a person’s heart back into a normal rhythm. An AED uses voice prompts to instruct on how it should be used. It will only deliver an electric charge if a shockable heart rhythm is identified.
Dealing with an apparent cardiac arrest at Churchill and Blakedown Golf Club.
If a person falls over and becomes unconscious and unresponsive.
Check the patient is breathing by lying them on their back and tilt the head back, lowering your ear to their mouth and listening, while watching for the chest to rise and fall.
If they are unresponsive and not breathing Call 999 or get someone to call 999 and start CPR immediately. The emergency services will stay with you on the phone to give assistance and support. If you are on your own shout for assistance from fellow golfers.
The Emergency service will tell you the nearest defibrillator is at our Club. The Clubs Defibrillator is located by the main Entrance and the Kitchen rear entrance.
Get someone else to go for the defibrillator, do not stop CPR.
Things to consider: First Aiders on the Club: Alys Palfrey, Bob Julier, Bev Smith.
For speed if the casualty is a long way from the Clubhouse, consider using a buggy or Car to return to the incident.
If they are breathing simply roll them on to their side(recovery position) keeping their head back, to keep the airway clear. Continue to monitor them until the Emergency services arrive.
The Emergency service will tell you the nearest defibrillator is at our Club. The Clubs Defibrillator is located by the main Entrance and the Kitchen rear entrance.
Get someone else to go for the defibrillator, do not stop CPR.
Things to consider: First Aiders on the Club: Alys Palfrey, Bob Julier, Bev Smith.
For speed if the casualty is a long way from the Clubhouse, consider using a buggy or Car to return to the incident.
If they are breathing simply roll them on to their side(recovery position) keeping their head back, to keep the airway clear. Continue to monitor them until the Emergency services arrive.
Despite what you may think, no training is needed to use a Defibrillator, AED, – the device talks the person through the entire process. You cannot harm a person by using an AED as it will only deliver a shock if one is required.
Early defibrillation has a dramatic impact on a person’s chances of survival.
Early defibrillation has a dramatic impact on a person’s chances of survival.