Euro 2020: Christian Eriksen suffered cardiac arrest on pitch

Christian Eriksen collapsed during the first half of Denmark’s opening Euro 2020 football match against Finland on Saturday 12th June. The 29-year old Inter Milan football player received emergency medical treatment on the pitch before being taken to hospital.

According to officials, Christian Eriksen is stable in hospital. So far examinations appear fine, with no explanation as to what caused the cardiac arrest at this time.

Understanding Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Athletes

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) strikes anyone, at any time or place, often without warning. Fit, young athletes are not immune from cardiac arrest and sadly, SCA even occurs in children.

According to the Resuscitation Council, approximately 200 cardiac arrests occur each day in the UK. 90% of cardiac arrests are fatal. Just 10% of people who suffer a cardiac arrest outside of a hospital environment in the UK survive. This is often due to a lack of quick and effective treatment.

Life-saving Treatment

The quick action taken by the medics was key to Christian Eriksen’s survival, highlighting the importance of immediate CPR and defibrillation.

A person in cardiac arrest is reliant on bystander intervention and the location having a readily available defibrillator close by. For every minute that passes without treatment, the chance of survival decreases by 10%. Defibrillation must occur within 3-5 minutes of collapse to ensure the best outcome.

Denmark team doctor Morten Boesen told a news conference that Eriksen “was gone” before resuscitation efforts began. He added “How quickly they reacted was decisive I would say. The time from when it happens until he receives help is the most important factor. And that was a short period of time. That was decisive”.

Christian Eriksen reportedly received one shock from a defibrillator as well as intense CPR after collapsing.

In this case, one shock from the defibrillator was sufficient to restart the heart. The combination of CPR helped to keep the blood flowing throughout his body. CPR takes over the role of the heart and lungs by helping to pump blood and oxygen around the body.

Importance of Defibrillators at Football and Other Sporting Events

Whilst we cannot predict Sudden Cardiac Arrest in athletes, we can prepare for it. To do so, all sporting events should have defibrillators available.

Equipping your sports facility with a defibrillator allows you to act effectively and confidently in the event of an emergency.

Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan, a consultant cardiologist and associate medical director at the British Heart Foundation, said: “Our thoughts are with Christian Eriksen, his family and the whole football community following his sudden collapse. This shocking event is a stark reminder that a cardiac arrest can strike anyone, anywhere and anytime, without warning. If someone suffers a cardiac arrest, it’s vital they receive immediate CPR and defibrillation to give them the best chance of survival. Thankfully, it seems that this was the response that Christian received.”

#SaveALife

Every second counts when someone suffers a cardiac arrest. The best way to ensure more lives are saved is for everyone to know how to perform CPR and to always know where your nearest defibrillator is located.

defibshop are committed to equipping everyone with the skills and knowledge to save a life. Speak to one of our Product Specialists on 0161 776 7422 or fill out our Contact Form.

FAQs

How common is Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) in footballers?

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) in footballers, while relatively rare, is a serious risk given the high levels of physical stress involved in the sport. It occurs more frequently in athletes than in non-athletes of the same age group, primarily due to the intense exertion associated with sports like football. The exact prevalence can vary, but it's important to note that because of the visibility and high-profile nature of football, cases involving athletes tend to gain more public attention. Regular health screenings, including cardiovascular checks, are crucial for early detection of potential risks.

Why is it important to have a defibrillator at sports events?

Having a defibrillator at sports events is critical because it can significantly increase the chances of survival following a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). If a defibrillator is used within the first few minutes of arrest, it can restore a normal heartbeat by sending an electric shock to the heart. This quick response is crucial, as the likelihood of survival decreases by approximately 10% with each minute that passes without defibrillation. Events with large numbers of athletes and spectators are highly advised to have these devices readily accessible.

How can someone recognise the signs of cardiac arrest?

Recognising the signs of cardiac arrest is vital for timely intervention, as every second counts in increasing the likelihood of survival. Key signs include:

• Sudden Collapse: The person unexpectedly falls to the ground and is unresponsive.

• Unresponsiveness: The person does not respond when you tap them or ask if they're okay.

• Absence of Breathing or Abnormal Breathing: The person either isn't breathing at all or is only gasping for air, which might look like shallow or heavy breathing.

When any of these signs are observed, it's crucial to act quickly: Call emergency services, begin CPR if you are trained, and use a defibrillator if one is available.