What was supposed to be a joyous festival of football, over the coming month, came to a shuddering halt at around 17:40 last night.
Tuning in to watch the Denmark v Finland game I never expected to watch someone fighting for their life in front of millions of watching viewers.
The moment the Danish midfielder, Christian Eriksen, fell to the floor you just knew something was seriously wrong.
The former Spurs player looked ashen as his fellow team-mates and match officials immediately called for medical assistance.
What unfolded was horrible to watch as you could clearly see several medics performing CPR on the stricken player.
The faces of the Danish players performing a protective screen around their comrade told their own story we were watching a desperate fight to save a life.
Now whether the BBC should have used their own discretion and moved, earlier to another feed, is a debate for another day.
But was it really necessary to show images of Christian’s distraught wife, on the touchline, several times during the scenes we were witnessing?
As it turned out, after what seemed an eternity, we saw Eriksen being rushed away on a stretcher.
Some twenty minutes later pictures emerged showing the player sitting up on the stretcher breathing through an oxygen mask, pictures that brought a sigh of relief to all.
Later, media releases confirmed that Eriksen was stable in hospital and was able to talk.
I am sure I am not the only one who breathed a sigh of relief.
But what did we learn from the incident?
Firstly, the medical assistance available was top notch and, no doubt, saved Christian’s life.
Secondly, there are times when events like this show just how fragile we all are, you just never know what lies around the corner.
But thirdly, and most importantly, we came to realise that life is far more important than the game itself, events put things into perspective.
However, will it be too much to ask that Christian’s fellow professionals will have watched the events of last night and those that collapse to the ground after the merest of touches will now reflect on their actions and eliminate it from their game?
I guess that is too much to ask for!
God bless you Christian and here at Vital Luton Town, we hope you make a speedy recovery.
COYH’s
Previous article by Mad Hatter
It is really frightening when something like this happens and reminds you to make time for the things that matter eg: family
Morning mh, can I wholeheartedly concur with you. Also point out that the BBC were not responsible for the pictures being shown that was done by another company. That said they should have cut back to the studio immediately. I take it we won’t be carrying on with the correct scores an call it a draw.
I think so Chris, only me and you joined in lol and yes they should have cut back to the studio earlier.
Having had a cardiac arrest myself 2 years and 1 day prior to yesterday. It was hard to watch but also fascinating, I was given CPR for much longer than the chap last night and was shocked several times but I know nothing of this and know nothing of the days that followed or preceded my SCA. Like the player last night my life was saved by the quick thinking of those around me, and in my case the availability of an air ambulance. Worth learning how to do CPR and use a defib.
glad to hear you recovered and yes it should be compulsory in high schools to be taught
i done a first aid course when i was working,but i would still feel confident to do CPR on someone.only had to use once at work,but great to know you have helped someone. think about doing a course,you could save a life. cant beleive eriksens tests did,nt find a problem. good luck eriksen.
it was an awful experience to watch, lets hope it kick starts a change whereby everybody undergoes some kind of training, especially those coming through the education system.