We are a charity concerned with what is commonly known as Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS).
This term is popularly used when a young person loses their life suddenly to a cardiac related condition.
It is estimated that one Irish person under the age of 35 dies suddenly each week. Often they are young, fit and healthy and display no obvious symptoms.
There is no sex, or age group, distinction with this condition, both males and females are equally at risk.
Symptoms may include:
- Chest pain
- Rapid irregular heart beat (Palpitations)
- Blackouts
- Shortness of breath
*** It should be noted that this list is not exhaustive, some victims display no symptoms prior to an incident occurring ***
Within Round GAA Club Clondalkin, the Ciarán Carr Foundation has taken a number of steps:
We screen our players from the age of twelve onwards, using the GAA-approved five-question questionnaire (available for download here).
Our chief medical officer, a nurse and club member, reviews each questionnaire.
If it is felt that any person requires further attention, they are contacted and encouraged to visit a medical professional.
It must stressed here that in the majority of cases there is absolutely nothing to worry about!!
We train our managers, coaches and helpers in the life saving skill of CPR and using a defibrillator.
The statistics state that a person who receives treatment in the immediate aftermath of an incident have a much better chance of survival than those who do not.
It is crucial that the first responders can treat a person in difficulty until the emergency services arrive.
This is not just a skill which can be acquired for those involved in sport, it could be vital in saving the life of a complete stranger walking down the street!
In following this path it is hoped that other clubs, regardless of sport, schools and communities will contact us and adopt our blueprint which is simple, quick and effective.