What Happens After the Save: Supporting Athletes After Cardiac Arrest
When an athlete survives sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), the moment is often called a “miracle.” But for that athlete, their family, and their team, the story doesn’t end when the heart starts beating again. Surviving an arrest on the field is only the first step — what comes next is just as important, and often overlooked.
Cardiac Arrest in Young Athletes: A Rare but Life-Altering Event
While rare, sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in young athletes during sports. Thanks to increased AED access and bystander CPR education, more student-athletes are surviving these events than ever before. But survival is just the beginning.
In the days, weeks, and months after resuscitation, survivors undergo a full medical workup to identify the cause of the arrest. For some, it’s a previously undiagnosed heart condition like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or long QT syndrome. Others may have experienced a one-time event like commotio cordis or exertional collapse. These diagnoses guide what comes next.
Medical Follow-Up and the Road to Clearance
After an arrest, athletes are typically referred to pediatric cardiologists or sports cardiology specialists. The process often includes:
EKG, echocardiogram, or cardiac MRI
Genetic testing (especially in inherited conditions)
Exercise stress testing
Electrophysiology evaluation if needed
Depending on the findings, the athlete may be cleared to return to play, placed on medication, or in some cases, recommended to pause high-intensity sports permanently. Some may require an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), which brings its own return-to-play decisions.
These conversations are deeply personal and often emotional, especially for teens who have built their identity around sport. It’s critical that teams and schools work closely with physicians to ensure medical safety and emotional well-being.
The Mental and Emotional Recovery
Athletes who experience cardiac arrest often face anxiety, fear of recurrence, or loss of confidence, even when medically cleared. They may also feel isolated or overwhelmed by the attention that follows a high-profile incident.
Teammates and coaches can play a powerful role in making the return feel safe and supported. That might mean giving the athlete space, checking in regularly, or making sure they feel included in team activities during recovery, even if they’re temporarily sidelined.
Consider bringing in a sports psychologist, counselor, or school mental health resource to support not just the athlete, but the team as a whole. Witnessing an arrest can be traumatic for everyone on the field.
Return to Play: It’s Not One-Size-Fits-All
While some athletes make a full return to competition, others may shift to lower-intensity sports, coaching, or off-field roles. What's most important is that the athlete’s goals, safety, and mental health are at the center of decision-making.
Coaches, families, and medical teams should be aligned: there’s no pressure to rush back. A safe and supported return, even if it looks different than before, is a powerful success story.
Supporting the Whole Journey
At NYSAP, we focus on prevention, preparedness, and lifesaving response. But we also believe that support doesn't stop when the AED turns off.
By understanding what comes after the save, we can better support survivors through recovery, identity shifts, and finding joy in sports again, in whatever form that takes.
Whether you're a teammate, coach, or community member, your presence and support can make all the difference.