[Sportschosun Reporter Jang Jong-ho] Medical experts have warned that people should be especially cautious about acute cardiac arrest during the summer, when temperatures rise, and during the FIFA World Cup period.
Cardiac arrest is an emergency condition in which the heart suddenly stops and can no longer supply blood to the brain and other organs.
It can strike suddenly not only athletes during competition, but also ordinary people in daily life.
Bucheon Sejong Hospital emphasized that the first witness's quick attempt at cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) can determine survival and recovery.
Christian Eriksen of Denmark, a former Tottenham Hotspur teammate of Son Heung-min, also recovered and returned after suffering cardiac arrest during a match in 2021. More recently, he collapsed during a game again, but regained consciousness thanks to rapid on-site response.
If you find someone suspected of cardiac arrest, first check for responsiveness and breathing. Then call the 119 emergency number immediately and begin chest compressions at once.
If an AED is nearby, bring it immediately, turn it on, and follow the voice instructions to attach the pads and use the device.
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) also says in its cardiac arrest training materials that rapid CPR and defibrillator use are important both inside and outside stadiums.
A Bucheon Sejong Hospital official said, "Whether CPR is performed within 4 minutes after cardiac arrest occurs has a decisive impact on survival and recovery," stressing the importance of securing the 'golden time.'
To widely promote the importance of early cardiac arrest response, Bucheon Sejong Hospital launched a dedicated CPR Education Team last month.
The team is made up of specialists from various hospital departments, including nursing, physical therapy, emergency medicine, and radiology. It provides theoretical and practical training on CPR basics, real-world application, AED use, and the importance of first aid.
After training 214 people at six sites last year, Bucheon Sejong Hospital is expanding community education this year with a goal of training 345 people at 10 sites.
Lee Myung-mook, president of Bucheon Sejong Hospital, said, "Cardiac arrest is often encountered first in daily life and at work, not inside a hospital." He added, "When a family member, colleague, or neighbor suddenly collapses, we must be able to respond without panic and perform CPR and use an AED immediately to save precious lives."
Reporter Jang Jong-ho bellho@sportschosun.com
