Medical practitioners can help tackle sudden death in young people at SADS Conference 2015

Healthcare professionals are being invited to a trailblazing conference that examines issues around sudden heart deaths in young people.

The third annual SADS Awareness Conference is being organised by local charity the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT) in conjunction with the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust.

Online booking is now open for the conference, which will take place on Friday 2nd October at Leicester City Football Club.

SADS stands for sudden arrhythmic death syndrome. It's part of a group of subtle heart diseases that claim the lives of 12 teenagers and young adults, aged 12-35, every week in the UK. Some conditions causing SADS affect whole families.

Dr Ffion Davies, consultant in A&E at Leicester's Hospitals, said: "Following the success of our last two conferences, this year we want to broaden the audience to include teachers, sports coaches and anyone who deals with teenagers and people in their 20s, because one day they may have to perform resuscitation. We want to show how easy and quick it is to learn CPR, and the importance of getting hold of a defibrillator quickly.

"For medical professionals, this conference is about sharing best practice and putting subtle heart diseases firmly on the health agenda. We know that in many cases, it can be the quick thinking and actions of medical professionals which prevent death by picking up on the signs of a previously undiagnosed heart problem.

"This conference allows us to share knowledge and the latest research in this area to ensure we are in the best possible position to help when needed."

The event will be opened by Martin Johnson, former England rugby captain and patron of the JHMT. Guest speakers will include Bristol-based cardiologist Dr Graham Stuart; Dr Rajay Narain, a cardiologist from London, and Dr Kal Parmar, a sports specialist from London.

Workshops will cover topics such as ECG recognition, screening for families, bereavement and family support, and how to spot the warning signs of SADS. There will also be a simulated scene of someone collapsing with SADS to evaluate responses.

In the afternoon, a sports 'question time' with a panel of cardiology specialists will open up the debate and invite members of the audience to ask questions on the topic of screening young people in sport.

The conference has been tailored to allow flexible attendance – delegates can choose to take part in a morning session, an afternoon session, or attend all day.

Pricing has also been arranged flexibly to make the conference as accessible as possible. Registration fees start from £10 for an afternoon session for a student. An all-day place will cost a maximum of £65.

Online booking is now open. To book a place, please apply online at http://jhmt.org.uk/events

For all enquiries, please contact Vicky Wills, fundraising and events co-ordinator, on vickywills.jhmt@hotmail.co.uk