Sign In / Register
Cardiac incidents at sports matches have reinforced the importance of having a defibrillator on site.
On June 15, Hibiscus Coast Raiders were playing at Glenfield versus the Greyhounds when one of the opposing team’s players dropped on the spot.
Raiders chair Seth Gleeson says it was lucky that one of the Raiders supporters was a heart specialist and started CPR.
“The Glenfield ground is next to a community hall, which had an AED (automated external defibrillator) available,” Gleeson says. “It took us quite a while to find it, tucked away in their kitchen but when we used it, the player’s heartbeat returned.”
The fire brigade turned up shortly after this, then an ambulance, which took the player to hospital.
Gleeson says Raiders had discussed the need for a defibrillator, but this incident expedited it. There is one close by at Stanmore Bay Pool & Leisure Centre, but Gleeson says the incident highlighted how important every minute is in getting that process happening.
“We have supporters interested in sponsoring an AED and we’ll ensure one is installed at the club soon,” he says. “I think it’s our duty of care to our members and visiting players and supporters to have an AED available in the off-chance a medical event arises in future.”
The player is reported to be stable and undergoing further tests.
In May, a Massey U85kg player collapsed during a game at Silverdale Rugby Club. The club has two defibrillators. One was used to resuscitate him and that, coupled with the quick action taken by first responders among the crowd, was crucial in saving the player’s life.
The defibrillator at Silverdale Rugby Club was supplied by the NZ Rugby Foundation, which supplies them to all rugby clubs.
Silverdale Rugby chair Hugh Goddard says the player is now doing well and is lucky to be part of a small percentage of people who survive an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
Defibrillator advice
Hato Hone St John’s advice is, in any situation where someone collapses or is unresponsive, call 111 and follow the call handler’s instructions: • If there is an AED nearby, ask a bystander to fetch this, while the initial caller remains on the line with the Hato Hone St John representative • The call handler will be able to advise if there is an AED nearby. Once the AED has been obtained, push the button and follow the instructions. AEDs provide clear and easy-to-understand advice, in addition to the 111 call-handler who will remain on the line until an ambulance arrives • It would be beneficial for all sports club members to know if your club has an AED, and where exactly it is located. In the heat of the moment during a medical event, it’s better to have clarity on how to reach it quickly • Knowing how to administer CPR is also helpful in medical situations, and you can find out more about Hato Hone St John’s free 3 Steps for Life course at www.stjohn.org.nz/what-we-do/community-programmes/3-steps-for-life/
