Bystanders revive referee with AED during youth match in Tessenderlo

On Saturday, October 11th, the referee of a football match in Tessenderlo (Belgium) was successfully resuscitated with an AED (Automated External Defibrillator). The man lost consciousness suddenly during a youth match between football clubs Thes Sport and Belisia Bilzen. Thanks to the quick actions of bystanders, he could be revived.

In a news article on VRT NWS, Serge Smets, one of the helpful bystanders, recounts, "At first, I thought he stumbled or had an injury. But when we realized something serious was happening, we rushed to the man. Together with the Belisia delegate, we placed him in a safe position and shortly afterward applied heart massage."

Help also came from the supporters' corner. A present nurse assisted, among other things, with the use of the AED. After the resuscitation, the referee was taken to the hospital, and it is now known that he is on the mend.

A striking example of how quick and courageous action in emergencies saves lives!

Source: VRT NWS

In the photo: The football club's AED was well-visible and accessible in an AED-Partner cabinet.

October 31, 2023