Final answer:
The NATA strongly recommends a goal of 3 to 5 minutes from the time of initial collapse to the first defibrillation shock to prevent sudden death in sports.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) position statement in preventing sudden death in sports, the goal is to have a timeframe of 3 to 5 minutes from the time of initial collapse caused by sudden cardiac arrest to the first defibrillation shock. This rapid response time is strongly recommended because it significantly increases the chance of survival. In a cardiac emergency, an automated external defibrillator (AED) delivers a controlled electrical shock to the heart to correct an abnormal rhythm, such as ventricular fibrillation, and allow the body's natural pacemaker to resume normal rhythm. Defibrillators are critical in stopping the heart momentarily so that a regular heartbeat can be reestablished.