Adequate performance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques during simulated cardiac arrest over and under protective equipment in football.

Objective: To investigate (1) cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) adequacy during simulated cardiac arrest of equipped football players and (2) whether protective football equipment impedes CPR performance measures.

Design: Exploratory crossover study performed on Laerdal SimMan 3 G interactive manikin simulator.

Setting: Temple University/St Luke's University Health Network Regional Medical School Simulation Laboratory.

Intratympanic hemorrhage and concussion in a football offensive lineman.

Background: A 26-year-old arena football lineman participating in a "bull in the ring" blocking and tackling drill was blindsided by an opposing teammate. He sustained a direct helmet-to-helmet blow to the right temporal area.

Objectives: This case describes a unique mechanism of ear barotrauma (intratympanic hemorrhage) and concussion caused by helmet-to-helmet contact in American football.