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We observed that AED use for victims of golf course OHCA (24.8%) was higher than that reported in 
other public locations (12.6%, CARES 2024 Annual Report) or other recreational cardiac arrests (19.0%, 
Kolkailah et al.). This observation highlights the need for greater focus on AED access and deployment 
at these locations. It also underscores the need for location-specific data to serve as a foundation for 
improvement. Cardiac arrests at airports, for instance, have high rates of AED use and survival but 
occur in environments that are crowded, have video surveillance, and benefit from substantial public 
investment and policy supporting AED and emergency response infrastructure. Improving cardiac arrest 
survival across different environments requires first identifying and analyzing data specific to those 
locations.
This study demonstrates that golf course OHCAs are not uncommon. Meaningful barriers remain to 
optimal OHCA response on golf courses. However, when optimal care is delivered, patient outcomes are 
excellent. Golf facilities should ensure AED availability and implement structured training and emergency 
response systems to support timely and effective intervention for cardiac arrest victims. Location-specific 
cardiac arrest data are foundational for measuring outcomes, identifying gaps in care, and driving 
targeted improvements in emergency response systems.
Golf Course Cardiac Arrest Snapshot
Key reported metrics from 2020–2023 cases
1. Gustafson, B., Todd, B., Prescott, R., et al. (2026). Cardiac arrest care on United States golf courses—Up to par yet? 
JACEP Open, 7(1), 100278.
2. Kolkailah, A., Chan, P. S., Li, Q., et al. (2024). Automated external defibrillator use after out-of-hospital cardiac 
arrest at recreational facilities. JAMA Internal Medicine, 184(2), 218–220

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