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You too are part of the chain to save lives

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You too are part of the chain to save lives

In elite sports and major sporting events, the excitement, intensity, and focus of both the crowd and the athletes take center stage. However, amid the celebration and competition, there is a reality we cannot ignore: the risk of sudden cardiac arrest. It can happen to a player in the middle of exertion, a coach on the sidelines, or even a spectator in the stands. In those moments, every second counts, and the difference between life and death can be in the hands of those nearby.

This is where the chain of survival comes into play: a set of critical steps that, when performed in the correct order and without delay, significantly increase the chances of saving a life.

1. Recognize the high-risk situation
The first link starts with rapid detection. If a person collapses, loses consciousness, and is not breathing normally (occasional gasps or no breathing at all), we must immediately think of cardiac arrest. Quick identification is key: every minute without care reduces survival chances by 7–10%.

2. Alert or call for help
Once the emergency is identified, the next step is to activate the response system:

·         Call the emergency number (112 in Europe, 911 in the U.S., or your local equivalent).

·         Clearly report the exact location, what happened, and the person’s condition.

·         Request an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) if one is available (as should be the case in all high-level sports venues).

At an elite event, security and medical staff are usually trained, but the first seconds depend on the bystanders.

3. Start basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
While waiting for specialized help to arrive, start CPR immediately:

·         Place your hands in the center of the chest and push hard and fast (at least 5 cm deep at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute).

·         Do not interrupt compressions for more than a few seconds.

·         If you know how and can, alternate with 2 rescue breaths every 30 compressions.

CPR keeps blood circulating and supplying oxygen to vital organs until the heart can beat again on its own.

4. Early defibrillation
The AED is a device that analyzes the heart rhythm and, if it detects a lethal arrhythmia, delivers an electric shock to try to restore a normal rhythm. It is safe, voice-guided, and designed for use by anyone, even with no prior experience.

In stadiums, gyms, and sports centers, AEDs should be visible, accessible, and well-marked. The sooner defibrillation is performed, the greater the chances of survival, especially if done within the first 3–5 minutes.

We are all part of the chain

In professional sports, the responsibility to save lives does not fall solely on the medical team. Any spectator, coach, teammate, or staff member can be the first link. Recognizing, alerting, resuscitating, and defibrillating are actions that do not require being a doctor, but they do require decisiveness and knowledge.
That is why promoting CPR training and the use of AEDs among everyone involved in sporting events is not optional—it is a direct investment in lives saved.
At the next competition, remember: you can be the difference between tragedy and hope. Because in the chain of survival, you too are a vital link.