Event and sideline management of sudden cardiac death.

The increasing use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), coupled with methods to improve cardiopulmonary resuscitation and implementation of early defibrillation, have significantly improved survival from sudden cardiac death (SCD) in the prehospital setting. This article reviews the evidence and principles of management of SCD in the sports setting. It is noted that ventricular fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia causing SCD in athletes.