Preventing Sudden Death in Sport and Physical Activity

DESCRIPTION This is a comprehensive look at each of the most common medical conditions that have been found to contribute to the sudden death of athletes. The authors address cause, recognition, response, and prevention of each of these situations in a thorough, concise, and informative manner. PURPOSE The purpose is to provide practicing sports medicine clinicians with updated, useful information that may help them prevent an athlete’s sudden death. This is probably the most important issue in sports medicine today. Dr. Casa and his colleagues do an extraordinary job of attempting to meet this objective. Although no single book can ever prepare clinicians for every situation they will face in their career, this one provides a critical starting point for its readers. AUDIENCE The target audience of this book includes practicing sports medicine clinicians, regardless of experience level (student or new graduate to master clinician) or role (athletic trainer, physical therapist, team physician, emergency medical technician, and paramedic) on a sports medicine team. Close examination of the information in this book will strengthen all of these individuals’ clinical knowledge, their decision-making ability during a catastrophic event, and their sports medicine team’s preparation before such an event. The authors of each chapter are currently practicing experts in their individual fields. FEATURES The 12 chapters cover 14 of the most common medical causes of sudden death in athletes, as well as emergency action planning and prevention of catastrophic events in athletics. The chapters include valuable tables and illustrations to summarize and enhance the information. Appendixes inserted between chapters contain numerous helpful algorithms and review sheets for each topic. Clinical case scenarios and key terms at the end of each chapter will assist educators using this book for a course. ASSESSMENT This is a unique and current book on the most serious issues facing sports medicine clinicians today. By addressing each topic individually and having a subject matter expert write each chapter, this book provides a greater in-depth examination of the practical application of this information. Not only will this book educate readers on current concepts and techniques, but it will also serve as a valuable reference for developing strategies, policies, and procedures for practicing clinicians. RATING: ★★★★★ Reviewed by:Jason McVeigh, MS, PT, SCS, ATC, LAT (University of Tennessee at Knoxville)