These are the sorts of questions that will be addressed at this year's SADS awareness conference, organised by local charity the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT) in conjunction with the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust.

It takes place on Thursday 2nd March at the King Power Stadium.

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.

The conference and study day is aimed at healthcare professionals in sport, hospital or community care.

Dr Ffion Davies, JHMT medical lead and consultant in A&E at Leicester's Hospitals, said: "I want to see more people diagnosed before they have a cardiac arrest. If someone does suffer a cardiac arrest, I'd like to see them arriving at A&E sitting up and talking because they've already received the right help – that is, access to a defibrillator and someone who has learned CPR and saved their life."

The conference will feature an opening address from Martin Johnson, former England rugby captain and patron of the JHMT.

Martin said: "The JHMT's work to raise awareness of sudden heart deaths is vitally important – not just among the general public, but also among medical staff.

"This conference is a chance for professionals to come together and discuss how, by working with the JHMT, they can put Leicestershire at the forefront of awareness, research and action when it comes to sudden heart deaths. We want to make an impact, make a difference – and events like this one are an essential part of our plan."

Registration fees are £70 for doctors, £40 for nurses, paramedics, ambulance technicians and physios, and £20 for students.

Bookings for this conference are now closed.

For enquiries, please contact jhmt@jhmt.org.uk

See Also: http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/joe-humphries-trust-conference-to-address-sads-deaths/story-30081640-detail/story.html