NI Football League chiefs have moved swiftly to provide local clubs with defibrillators in the aftermath of Christian Eriksen’s near-death experience at the Euro 2020 finals.
The Inter Milan midfielder collapsed and suffered a cardiac arrest in a 1-0 defeat to Finland in Denmark’s opening group game in Copenhagen on June 12.
But emergency medical treatment on the pitch, including CPR with a defibrillator, prior to being taken to hospital, helped ensure the 29-year-old survived the distressing ordeal.
Eriksen's cardiac arrest at the Parken Stadium highlighted the lifesaving benefits of having quick access to a device which provides a high-energy electric shock to the heart.
And the NI Football League has revealed it has provided all 41 member clubs with defibrillators ahead of the new 2021/22 season.
A spokesman said the decision was made after a “risk assessment by the NIFL Board outlined a desire to protect clubs” following the “distressing events at Euro 2020 in Denmark”.
All 35 clubs in the Premiership, Championship and Premier Intermediate divisions and the six clubs in the Women’s Premiership have all been provided with the device.
NIFL Chairman Gerard Lawlor said: “The role of NIFL is not just to govern but to serve and protect our membership, and this is an important service that we can offer to our clubs to protect players, supporters and staff.
“Everyone in football was shocked by events in Denmark a few weeks ago and if this project saves one life over a period of time, we simply can’t put a value on that.
“The health and welfare of the people connected with our clubs is paramount and I offer sincere thanks to my colleagues on the NIFL Board for their support in delivering this vital support.”
