Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Athletes: What to Do Before the Ambulance Arrives
Sudden cardiac arrests among athletes are more common than we think. On June 7, 2026, a famous Danish footballer, Christian Eriksen, collapsed on the pitch during a World Cup warm-up match against Ukraine. This wasn’t a first for Eriksen. Five years ago, a similar incident occurred in which his heart had stopped entirely on the field. However, this time, he walked off on his own.
The only difference between the incidents was preparation. Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere, but knowing how to handle it and what steps to take during such moments can make all the difference. In this guide, we’re going to uncover the step-by-step process of how to handle cases of sudden cardiac are important to be prepared at all times.
Sudden Cardiac Arrests and Football
Football is said to be one of the fittest sports in the world, and yet severe cases of sudden cardiac arrest tend to happen on the pitch. According to recent research, it was found that nearly 1-2 per 100,000 young athletes die of SCA annually. FIFA’s own Sudden Death Report recorded over 600 cases of sudden cardiac arrest or unexplained sudden death, with an average of over 120 cases a year, worldwide between the years 2014 and 2018.
The reason isn’t a lack of fitness but rather other underlying factors that tend to go undiagnosed over time. Additionally, high-intensity workouts, exertion, and adrenaline also contribute to a fatal heart rhythm, causing sudden cardiac arrest. Eriksen’s case was also no exception to the rule. He was screened, monitored, and declared fit to play at the highest level and yet his heart gave out under pressure, not once but twice. Other players like Fabrice Muamba and Iker Casillas have also made the headlines for the same reason. This is exactly why preparedness, first aid and CPR knowledge have become a critical part of modern sport.
How to Handle a Sudden Cardiac Arrest: Steps to Follow Before Medical Help Arrives
The first and most important step is to recognise that something is wrong. Sudden cardiac arrests often arrive with little to no warning; however, there are a few signs that can help you catch it in time. In some cases, the person might collapse suddenly and fall to the ground. During such moments, it is important to look for these signs:
- No pulse
- Lack of responsiveness
- Loss of consciousness
- No signs of natural breathing
If they don’t respond or show any signs of breathing, consider it a medical emergency. Every second wasted could lower their chances of survival. Here’s what to do:
1. Call for Help
The first thing to do in case of a sudden cardiac arrest is to call for immediate medical help. While it’s crucial to help the patient, it is also important to ensure that professional medical assistance is delivered as soon as possible.
2. Start CPR Immediately
Start CPR immediately if you notice signs like unresponsiveness and lack of natural breathing. According to emergency medicine, CPR is considered to be the most vital and effective means to restore blood circulation in patients experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest. Here’s how you can perform CPR:
- Lay the person on their back.
- Kneel beside the person and place the heel of your hand in the centre of their chest.
- Place your second hand on top of it and interlock your fingers.
- Push at least 2 inches deep at the rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
- Do not lift your hand completely off the chest.
CPR could take a few minutes to show results. Do not stop midway through. Keep going till the person breathes again or professional help arrives.
3. Use an AED if available.
An AED is used to deliver shocks and restore a normal heartbeat. It is designed in a manner that ensures everyone can use it without any prior training. Once turned on, the AED delivers voice instructions and analyses the heart rhythm before advising a shock. All First Aid and CPR training programs, including Zenzo’s AHA-certified courses, cover hands-on AED usage, ensuring each and every person is trained to use it during an actual medical emergency.
4. Keep going until help arrives.
During a sudden cardiac arrest, the first few minutes act as the deciding factor between life and death; therefore, it is crucial to continue CPR and follow the AED’s prompts without stopping, even if the person shows no immediate signs of response. Pause only if the person starts breathing normally and regains consciousness or if medical help arrives and takes over.
Conclusion
Cases of sudden cardiac arrest, especially in football, are rare, but as Eriksen’s story shows, never rare enough to ignore. Knowing the signs, calling for help, and being ready to perform CPR or use an AED even before medical help arrives can make all the difference during such moments. At Zenzo, we believe that preparedness is crucial, whether at work or on a football pitch. It is important to be emergency-ready. Because you never know when you will be required to save a life.
FAQs
- What is the difference between a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and a heart attack?
A heart attack occurs when there is a blood circulation issue, mainly caused by a blocked artery. On the other hand, a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) occurs due to an electrical malfunction in which the heart stops beating entirely.
- Can you perform CPR without training?
Yes, you can. Hands-only CPR is often recommended even for untrained bystanders as it is a highly effective means of keeping the blood flowing until help arrives.
- Why do fit athletes still suffer cardiac arrest?
Most cases of cardiac arrest are caused by underlying conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or inherited arrhythmias, which often go undiagnosed and show no symptoms even amongst athletes. Factors like intense exertion, adrenaline, and physical stress are sufficient to trigger a fatal heart rhythm even in people who are in pristine physical condition.
