What Can Golf Courses Do To Save Heart Attack Victims

Below is an interview with David Rush, Owner of Cardio Start. Last year I heard about a golfer who had a heart attack at Quit Qui Oc Golf Club and was saved by medical equipment at the golf course. I wanted to learn a little more about his company and what courses can do to save the lives of their guest who might have a cardiac arrest.

FIRST OFF, WHAT IS CARDIAC ARREST?

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is the sudden, abrupt loss of heart function. The victim may or may not have diagnosed heart disease. Sudden death (also called sudden cardiac death) occurs within minutes after symptoms first appear.
Signs of sudden cardiac arrest (ventricular fibrillation) include sudden loss of responsiveness (no response to tapping on shoulders) and lack of normal breathing patterns.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is the leading cause of death in the United States claiming the lives of over 450,000 adults and 7,000 children each year, more than lung cancer, breast cancer and traffic accidents combined. Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) can strike anyone, anytime, anywhere without notice or prior warning signs.
Golf courses are rated in the top 5 public venues in which cardiac arrests occur.

WHO IS AT RISK OF CARDIAC ARREST?

The risk of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) increases with age. The risk also is higher if you have underlying heart disease. Men are two to three times more likely to have SCA than women.

Many people who have SCA also have silent, or undiagnosed, heart attacks before SCA happens. These people have no clear signs of heart attack, and they don't even realize that they've had one. The chances of having SCA are higher during the first 6 months after a heart attack.

WHAT CAN GOLF COURSES DO TO PREPARE THEIR OPERATION, SHOULD A CARDIAC EMERGENCY OCCUR?

Many golf clubs have AED's installed within their facilities but also portable AED units on their beverage and ranger carts. It is also vitally important to have CPR trained and certified responders on duty at all times. Visitors and members of golf clubs should feel comfortable asking when they check in whether the club has AED's and CPR trained personnel.

Survival rates are highest for patients who receive a defibrillation shock within five minutes of collapse. This almost requires that an AED be on-site anywhere groups of people gather and that trained responders are available. Documented AED programs have shown that survival rates can rise to 70 percent or more when an AED program is in place.

TELL ME MORE ABOUT YOUR ORGANIZATION

Cardio-Start is a Milwaukee-based full service, dedicated provider of cardiac emergency planning, products, and services. Cardio-Start serves all industries including golf courses, clubs, and banquet facilities. The website is www.cardio-start.com.