There have been numerous cases of sudden cardiac arrest at the high levels of sport. Marc-Vivien Foé, a midfielder on Cameroon’s national soccer team, fatally collapsed in the 71st minute in a game against Colombia at the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2003. Medical staff tried to resuscitate Foé, who had a heart condition that led to cardiac arrest, for more than 30 minutes.
The former Blues Defenseman Jay Bouwmeester’s heart stopped during a game against the Anaheim Ducks in 2020. Bouwmeester, who collapsed on the Blues bench, was revived by medical staff, but he never returned to professional hockey, announcing his retirement 11 months later.
Christian Eriksen, a soccer midfielder playing for Denmark, went into cardiac arrest during a game at Euro 2020. A team doctor said that Eriksen “was gone” before lifesaving treatment on the field resuscitated him. Since then, Eriksen has continued to play professionally without an issue.
For many coaches and organizers who run youth programs, the costs of medical personnel and equipment mean they must be ready to serve as their teams’ medical staff.
Brian Gallagher, the founder of Active City, a nonprofit that offers organized youth sports such as soccer, basketball and volleyball in Hartford, Conn., said Hamlin’s injury underscored the importance of having properly trained coaches. Gallagher said Active City ran a free training session each year on how to handle life-threatening medical issues. Still, defibrillators, which can cost thousands of dollars, are typically available only at big events because of their cost.
Sarah Hoisl, who coaches West Hartford Fury Travel Softball in Connecticut, said she wanted to be ready to step in if one of her players suffered a significant injury. Hoisl is certified by the American Red Cross in CPR, first aid and concussion protocol, she said.
“I always want to make sure that the procedures I take as a coach are down pat so that when I go into fight-or-flight mode, I know that I am making the right moves because they have been done before they happen,” she said.
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