CPR, AED help save life of futsal player who collapsed in Penang


BUTTERWORTH: A 53-year-old futsal player, who pushed himself too hard and suffered a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), was saved by quick action from a capable bystander on Friday (Aug 18).

His friends saw him collapse during a match, and found that he was not breathing and had no pulse.

But luck was on his side as a bystander at the futsal court in Mak Mandin near here knew cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

The rescuer quickly started performing CPR on the victim at about 10pm Friday while someone else called for an ambulance.

"The victim survived simply because his rescuer started CPR at once.

"If everyone waited for the ambulance, the futsal player would have died," said Penang Heart Safe Society chairman Datuk Dr Luah Lean Wah.

Another man, who learned of the emergency, was Jalan Raja Uda voluntary fire squad member Gee Pin Chiew.

He owns an automated external defibrillator (AED) and immediately rushed to the scene.

"Butterworth needs to be thankful for having a volunteer with his own AED.

"We were told that the AED delivered two electric shocks to the victim," she said.

Dr Luah explained that in an SCA event, the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops pumping and death follows.

Electric shocks delivered by an AED can revive the heart.

"The victim's heart rate and breathing was functioning again after 15 minutes of non-stop CPR, followed by the AED," she said.

Dr Luah said she visited the victim, who is now in the critical care unit in Penang Hospital.

"He is well and stable," she said.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Nation

Leave door open for advice, says Hadi
UTeM achieves 97% graduate employability in 2025, says vice-chancellor
Malaysia is considering including nuclear energy in 13MP
Investigation paper on policemen detained for dead woman’s missing jewellery referred to AG’s chambers
TikTok Shop supports local MSMEs and the digital economy
Single mum Loh opposes Perlis govt’s review bid in unilateral conversion case
Saifuddin to 'silence critics' of House Arrest Bill in Parliament on Nov 7
Beware of fake Siti Kasim Instagram ad impersonating The Star
Langkawi MP proposes to turn GISB hotel into deviant teachings museum
Body of missing fisherman found in Kota Tinggi

Others Also Read