APPI First Aid 2500

Heart Health

The importance of automated external defibrillators

FIFPRO and its national members remain devoted to elevating the quality of minimum medical requirements across competitions and educating players adequately on the recognition of sudden cardiac arrest. A close eye will be kept on the latest technical developments in medical science which could improve the protection of player health and safety in critical situations.

What you should know

Education about symptoms and signs of sudden cardiac arrest and resuscitation (CPR)

This is not only among players but also among other people working in football.

The presence of an automated external defibrillator is essential

Within any sporting environment, it is essential that an automated external defibrillator is available, and that there is somebody who is regularly trained to use it properly. Fast use of an automated external defibrillator can increase survival rates by up to 70 percent.

Quality of minimum medical requirements and pre-competition medical assessments is inconsistent

Often, this is related to the financial resources of clubs, leagues and football associations, which can vary massively within professional football.