Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrests in Sporting Events—What Is the UK Experience: A Systematic Review and Online Media Literature Search

<h2>Abstract</h2><h3>Objective</h3> Out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OOHCAs) occur at sporting events. In the United Kingdom (UK), the outcomes remain unclear. This study aimed to perform a systematic literature review to establish the outcomes of OOHCA associated with sports in the UK, alongside a literature search of online media. <h3>Methods</h3> PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Embase were searched from inception to March 2025 (PROSPERO CRD42024557120). Data were extracted relating to demographics, sports, medical care received, and outcomes. A quality review was undertaken with the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. In addition, an online media search of Google News and BBC News between June 2021 and October 2025 was performed, with similar data extracted. <h3>Results</h3> From 10,026 studies, 12 studies were included, totaling 578 patients. Most were male (91%), with a mean age of 43.2 years. Limited data were presented regarding the actual OOHCA event, for example, presenting rhythm. Twelve patients were detailed as having a full neurological recovery. Postmortem data suggested that cardiomyopathy and sudden arrhythmic death syndrome were common causes. In addition, 82 OOHCAs (95% male) were identified from the media search, with 29% younger than 40 years and an estimated survival rate of 62%. <h3>Conclusion</h3> The exact outcomes of OOHCA associated with sports in the UK are difficult to establish, with the incidence potentially under-reported. Survival rates do seem to be higher than the general population, based mainly on online media evidence. A prospective data collection tool would allow a greater understanding of the outcomes, incidence, and contributing factors for a UK population, to help plan prehospital medical input.