Question 1

Can an athlete be in cardiac arrest if they are still breathing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Slow, laboured, agonal or panting breathing is a sign of cardiac arrest, and early after collapse an athlete's breathing may even look near-normal. An unresponsive athlete with abnormal or uncertain breathing is treated as being in cardiac arrest: start compressions and use the defibrillator.

Question 2

Does jerking at the moment of collapse mean the athlete is having a seizure?

Accepted Answer

It may be cardiac arrest. Brief seizure-like movements can occur at the onset of cardiac arrest and are often mistaken for a fit. Once the movements stop, assess breathing, and start compressions if the athlete is unresponsive and not breathing normally, even with a known diagnosis of epilepsy.

Question 3

Should you check for a pulse before starting CPR on a collapsed athlete?

Accepted Answer

No. Recognition of cardiac arrest does not depend on a pulse check. An unresponsive athlete with abnormal or uncertain breathing gets compressions and a defibrillator straight away; when in doubt, start.

Question 4

Can an athlete who recovers quickly from a collapse carry on playing?

Accepted Answer

No. Any unexpected collapse, even with rapid and complete recovery, means removal from sport and medical assessment. Syncope during exertion needs a 12-lead ECG and urgent cardiac assessment, with no exercise until then.

Assessing the Collapsed Athlete

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