Higher number of defibrillators needed in all levels of football
Higher number of defibrillators needed in all levels of football
Lee Orton, who runs the charity Goals 4 Hearts and survived a heart attack whilst playing in 2013, has voiced the need for a higher number of defibrillators and medical equipment made available in all levels of the footballing game. This has been spurred after the tragic loss of Shaw Lane AFC player Daniel Wilkinson, aged 24, who suffered a heart attack during a cup game at Brighouse Town FC's Stadium.
Media reports indicated that staff at the St Giles Road ground used a defibrillator on Wilkinson, however, was pronounced dead shortly after being taken to hospital.
Mr Orton, aged 33, stated a number of smaller clubs are still without defibrillators due to the lifesaving piece of equipment costing up to £1,000.
Orton said despite the tragic outcome, defibrillators are very important. He stated, " without one, a person's chances of survival decreases by 15% each minute, it can make all the difference".
Goals 4 Hearts Charity raises awareness of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and ensures the correct equipment is available in all public places,
SB