WISE 5 Integration Into Athletic Emergency Preparedness: Improving Cardiac Emergency Outcomes

Learn how integrating the WISE 5 framework into athletic emergency preparedness can enhance response and improve cardiac outcomes in sports. This blog explores essential steps from early recognition to defibrillation, helping athletic trainers and emergency responders boost readiness when every second counts.

When seconds count..

In our fast-paced world of sports and athletic competition, moments can be crucial when it comes to on-the-field medical emergencies. Integrating streamlined protocols that prepare everyone involved for a swift response is not just best practice—it’s essential. Enter the "WISE 5" framework, an invaluable system championed by The Kyle Group that emphasizes essential medical readiness through coordinated actions.

What is the "WISE 5"?

The “WISE 5” process focuses on five key steps (Early Recognition; Cut away equipment; Expose the Chest and Apply AED; High Quality Compressions; Defibrillation) focused on empowering emegency response teams to maximize preparedness. This integration complements what we’ve long known in sports medicine and aligns well with the importance of establishing a Medical Time Out (MTO). For those unfamiliar, the MTO is an initiative highlighted by Dr. James Kyle with The Kyle Group, promoting the importance of clear communication and medical coordination before events. It’s designed to ensure that athletic trainers, first responders, and event staff are fully prepared to react as a cohesive unit during critical moments. You can learn more about the WISE 5 framework and watch an insightful video by The Kyle Group here and on YouTube.

Can AED pad placement impact outcomes? 

The recent study by Lupton JR, Newgard CD, Dennis D, et al., published in JAMA Network Open (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2823184), further reinforces the importance of initial actions and protocol in out-of-hospital emergencies. Their research, which examined the correlation between defibrillator pad positioning and outcomes in shockable out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, brings fresh insights to our field. Their findings underline how initial emergency steps can drastically affect survival and recovery, supporting key WISE 5 concepts: prompt response, accurate positioning, and teamwork. For athletic trainers, these insights are a call to continuously refine our approach to cardiac emergencies, leveraging well-coordinated plans like WISE 5 and MTO to elevate our preparedness.

Emergency preparedness is critical..

As a BOC-certified athletic trainer with over 34 years in emergency response, I have seen firsthand the power of these foundational steps in real-time. The Kyle Group’s dedication to raising awareness and creating actionable tools for emergency readiness is invaluable to sports emergency care. With resources like the MTO and evidence-based insights such as those from the JAMA Network Open study, the integration of WISE 5 offers an essential layer of support for athletic trainers and medical staff everywhere.

A pat on the back!
This framework is a critical addition to our toolkit, ensuring that when the unthinkable happens, we are primed and ready. Thank you to The Kyle Group for their tireless work in elevating emergency preparedness and continuing to offer resources that benefit athletic trainers and responders alike.