Quick Thinking And Quick Action Imperative In Stadiums

An image of the medical emergency at the Watford v Chelsea football match A timely reminder of the importance of defibrillators being essential at all stadia and facilities with more medical emergencies last night in grounds.

At Vicarage Road in the game between Watford and Chelsea referee David Coote stopped play 13 minutes into the first half after players alerted him to an ongoing medical emergency in the crowd; Watford confirmed a fan suffered a cardiac arrest and was “stable” after a delay to the game. There was also a medical emergency at St Mary’s Stadium where Southampton hosted Leicester City where swift action helped to bring the situation quickly under control.

Play was stopped 13 minutes into the first half of the game between Watford and Chelsea after players alerted the referee to an ongoing medical emergency in the Graham Taylor Stand. The players left the field for more than 30 minutes as medical and stewarding staff rushed to assist the fan, who was given space as other supporters cleared the surrounding seats. The fan was eventually taken away from the stadium on a stretcher, with the players returned for a five-minute warm-up before play resumed. A spokesperson from Watford said: “Our thoughts are with the fan - who had a cardiac arrest but has now been stabilised - and all those affected. Thank you to the medical staff, players and fans for their quick response.”



The incident at Watford is the second confirmed cardiac arrest suffered by a supporter during a Premier League game this season, after Newcastle's home defeat to Tottenham in October, which was stopped for 40 minutes.

The dreadful incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of defibs to be available at all stadiums and facilities, clearly visible and placed in a location that is easily accessible.

The FA have launched a defibrillator scheme for grassroots clubs. You can read more about this here, here and here.

A defibrillator also proved invaluable when a spectator at a match at St James' Park between Newcastle and Tottenham needed medical assistance.

St Mary's stadium