Football and Emergencies: Medical Protocols in the Game

Medical emergencies on a football pitch can be a matter of life and death. Christian Eriksen's cardiac arrest during the 2021 European Championship is one of the most famous and terrifying examples. However, the quick and professional actions of medical staff saved his life. An automated external defibrillator (AED) was used within 3 minutes.

The FIFA medical protocol is clear: every professional match must have at least two qualified medical personnel, an AED device, and an ambulance on standby. When a game is stopped, medical staff must reach the pitch within 15 seconds. Recent incidents involving Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Edoardo Bove also demonstrated the importance of this protocol.

Medical protocols in Uzbekistan need to be strengthened. Every stadium and pitch should have an AED, and staff must know how to use it. It would also be beneficial for pitches booked via the Playmatch platform to display information regarding the availability of medical equipment. A footballer's health is more important than any result.