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. “Often, it’s the players who are the most likely to respond, as they are the first ones to notice when someone might have a sudden cardiac arrest,” said former player Fabrice Muamba, who suffered a sudden cardiac arrest on the pitch during a FA Cup match in 2012.
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.
