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Thursday, August 23, 2012

Student Athlete cardiac screenings...SHOCKING STATS

Every year, there are cases of young athletes who collapse and die at practice or during a game due to sudden cardiac arrest.  According to the National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research, 15 high school athletes dies each year from cardiac-related conditions.

Although American Heart Association national screening guidelines have existed since 1996, a recent survey by researchers at Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington revealed that just 6% of athletic directors are aware of the guidelines, and only 6% of doctors surveyed fully followed the guidelines to assess cardiac risk.

Recently, a Tampa jury awarded a $2 million settlement to the family of a high-school athlete Matthew Miulli, who died during baseball practice at Alonso High School.  More important than recovering financial damages, cases like these shed light on the importance of medical screenings and exams before playing, having a coaching staff prepared to deal with emergencies, and having automated external defibrillators present and accessible at athletic events, including practice.

If you or someone who know suffered an injury during an athletic event due to the negligence of the school, staff or doctor call our experienced lawyers right away. 1-800-Now-Hurt

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