Out on an orienteering course, we pride ourselves on being prepared for anything the terrain throws at us - steep climbs, tricky navigation, unpredictable weather. But one challenge that can strike without warning is a sudden cardiac arrest. When it happens, every minute matters, and the combination of early CPR and quick access to an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can be lifesaving.
Cardiac arrest isn’t limited to older or less‑fit participants. It can affect anyone, including experienced athletes pushing hard on technical ground. That’s why more clubs and event organisers are making AEDs part of their safety kit. Modern AEDs are designed for simplicity: they give clear voice prompts, guide you through each step, and won’t deliver a shock unless it’s needed. Even if you’ve never used one before, you can act with confidence.
In remote woodland or moorland terrain, emergency services may take longer to reach a casualty. That makes the first few minutes critical. Starting CPR immediately and using an AED as soon as possible - ideally within 3 to 5 minutes - can dramatically increase the chance of survival.
For clubs, this means thinking about where AEDs are stored, how quickly they can be brought to different parts of the map, and making sure volunteers know the basics of CPR. For individual orienteers, it’s about awareness: knowing where the nearest AED is at an event and being willing to step in if someone collapses.
Orienteering teaches us to stay calm under pressure and make fast decisions. Those same skills can save a life.
More information can be found here: https://www.resus.org.uk/sites/default/files/2020-03/AED_Guide_2019-12-04.pdf
More Blog Posts
Paid advertising – Worth the hype?
30 March 2026
Event spotlight: British Orienteering Championships 2026
12 March 2026
