EFL slammed by fans over ‘silly’ statement on medical emergencies at matches

The EFL have been slammed by fans over a ‘silly’ statement on medical emergencies at matches, something we’ve seen much of this season.

With more and more games being halted so players and fans can receive medical assistance, supporters are questioned what’s happening and what can be done?

Everyone watched in horror when Christian Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch mid-game and since that distressing match between Denmark and Finland, there’s been a worrying upturn in the number of medical emergencies in English football.

STATEMENT:

With over 20 million supporters attending EFL fixtures each season, there will be occasions where a supporter will require medical treatment during a match.

The health and safety of everybody attending matches is of paramount importance, so fans can be reassured that all Clubs have a Matchday Medical Plan with dedicated crowd medical teams in stadia, ready to assist at any point during the match.

If a supporter becomes unwell and requires medical assistance, then we strongly advise that the nearest steward is made aware who will ensure that the crowd medical team is notified and that appropriate care is provided.

It is important to note that the responsibilities of the crowd medical teams are separate to club medical support teams for players.

This season, a number of EFL matches have been paused while medical treatment has been provided to supporters. On several occasions, the usual Matchday Medical Plan has been bypassed with members of the Clubs’ on-pitch medical teams called in to assist.

Supporters are asked not to alert players or staff on the pitch as in most cases the crowd medical team will be able to provide medical care as the match continues.

Should a situation arise where there is a need for the match to be halted, a decision will be taken between the crowd medical team, the ground safety team and the match officials with the information relayed to the supporters at the ground.

This is in line with the briefing note produced by National Events Medicine Advisory Group (NEMAG) in conjunction with the Sports Grounds Safety Authority’s (SGSA) and football authorities.

Again, it is important to remember that if you have any concerns or need assistance while at the match, then please notify your nearest steward.

– STATEMENT ENDS –

Why have there been more medical emergencies at football matches recently?

Simply, there’s no definitive answer, and with speculation and misinformation being spread can be dangerous, Reuters’ Fact Check has confirmed that there is no link between footballers having cardiac arrests and COVID-19.

“FIFA is not aware of any increase in the number of footballers having cardiac arrests while on the pitch” they say. “World soccer’s governing body also said it has not seen any cases attributed to individuals receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.”

FIFA themselves say, “Generally speaking, FIFA is in regular contact with leading research centres and experts to do research on a variety of medical topics.”

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), a British regulator for drugs and vaccines, has added there is no supporting evidence to link players collapsing and COVID-19 vaccines.

“Myocarditis or pericarditis remains a very rare potential risk with the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, and the events reported are typically mild with individuals usually recovering within a short time with standard treatment and rest,” MHRA chief executive Dr June Raine told Reuters. “The current evidence does not suggest that sporting exercise is a contributing risk for these very rare events.”

With so many more cases of heart problems, collapses and medical emergencies making the news these days however, the issue is a worry and no doubt a concern to many wanting to watch a match in the stands or seeing ti play out at home.

As mentioned, EFL slammed by fans over their ‘silly’ statement on medical emergencies at matches…

@Rafahev: A persons life is more important than waiting for stewards to get to the fan who needs immediate help. What about if the stewards don’t hear cries for help from fans in the stands?

@bedworthbcfc: Fuck the @EFL

@CJ_Jones__: ‘Supporters are asked not to alert players or staff on the pitch as in most cases the crowd medical team will be able to provide medical care as the match continues.’ Shame on whoever made these rules, EFL give your heads a wobble

@EllisRomero: I will not think twice to alert anyone and everyone that I think can help save someones life. Shame on the EFL

@ccfcrob: The EFL with more ridiculous red tape. You alert whoever is nearest to you to get the quickest response. The nearest trained medical professional provides the treatment regardless of whether they are “club support team staff” or “crowd support team staff”.

@SteveW88: I think it’s silly to think that a person or people wouldn’t interrupt the game to alert as many folk as possible to a potential medical emergency. If someone falls or trips, common sense says nearest steward to first aid. But Potential cardiac arrest? 😕

@SamCCFC1987: If the stadium team’s medical response was good enough, clubs medical teams wouldn’t be needed. When it comes to saving someone’s life there should be no restrictions. Commotion in the crowd is always dealt with via a ‘trouble first’ approach wasting vital seconds. #PUSB

@ChristoffBaker: I get the idea. But I really don’t agree with it. If there is a medical emergency that should be dealt with as a priority over the game @EFL @EFL_Comms you’ve got this one horribly, horribly wrong!!!!