THE USE OF CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION AND THE AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR IN THE PRACTICE OF SPORTS PHYSICAL THERAPY

During the initial assessment of the injured athlete, the Sports Physical Therapist (PT) must first be concerned with life-threatening emergencies such as absence of breathing and pulse. The sports PT must also be aware of the possibility of “sudden cardiac death” that could occur in others, including coaches, officials, and fans. If the PT assumes the role of “most medical” person at the contest or event, the responsibility for life saving action falls squarely on their shoulders. Therefore, skills and ongoing certification in cardio- pulmonary resuscitation techniques and the use of an automated external defibrillator are a basic necessity. These skills are required as part of the specialty practice of sports PT (BLS Healthcare Provider course or CPR for the Professional Rescuer in addition to completion of the First Responder Course OR credentials as an EMT or ATC), and are mandatory for being qualified to sit for the exam to become a sports certified specialist (SCS) by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS).³