How To Respond to Cardiac & Breathing Emergencies
USSF
Summary
These three resources provide coaches, referees, administrators, and players with essential step-by-step guidance to recognize and respond to cardiac arrest and breathing emergencies, supported by videos, one-pagers, and guidelines. The Resources included in this pack are:
- How to React to a Cardiac Arrest – Resource page with a guide and YouTube demonstration of CPR and AED usage.
- Non-Contact Collapse and Risk of Sudden Cardiac Arrest – One-pager with immediate response steps to sudden collapses on the field.
- Breathing Difficulties – Guidelines for managing asthma and Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO), especially useful for clubs working with athletes who have pre-existing conditions.
HOW AND WHEN IT CAN HELP
- As emergency preparation training for coaches, referees, and staff.
- To support safeguarding policies with specific guidance on cardiac and breathing emergencies.
- As part of preseason training and club orientation for players and families.
- For referees and coaches to have quick access to CPR and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) protocols.
WHAT WE LIKE ABOUT THIS RESOURCE PACK
The resources are practical, direct, and role-relevant. They emphasize life-saving skills (CPR, AED use) and provide targeted support for breathing-related conditions like asthma.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS WHEN USING THIS RESOURCE
- Training and certification in CPR/AED are essential to supplement these guides.
- Clubs should ensure AEDs are available and functional at all facilities.
- Staff and volunteers should be confident in responding quickly in emergencies.
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR
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Coaches, referees and other members of the soccer community can access a wide range of articles and training opportunities, including related to emergency planning and wider health and safety issues, on the US Soccer Learning Center.
CREDITING CONTRIBUTORS
The Resource Hub is made possible by the generosity of contributors. It demonstrates the rich expertise and collective team spirit that exists across our soccer community.
All resources that have been contributed to the Resource Hub are free for users of the Hub to learn from, adapt and implement in their own organization and community.
Where relevant, we encourage users of the resources to formally or informally credit the resource creator, to acknowledge their expertise and generosity.