On August 12, 1989, something happened that changed the course of one man’s life and deeply affected the rest of the country. It occurred during Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying match against Angola.
Samuel Okwaraji, a lawyer, and a rising star of Nigeria’s national team suffered cardiac arrest and slumped during the match. While there were efforts to provide emergency assistance, it is said that the lack of quick and effective first aid coupled with inadequate emergency preparedness, at the time, contributed to his death.
According to one of his teammates, Etim Esin, Mr Okwaraji’s death on that fateful day, affected Nigeria’s chance of qualifying for the Italy ‘90 World Cup the next year.
But this article is not about the World Cup, nor football, but about how sports pose certain risks that cannot be ignored.
September 14 is World First Aid Day.
This is an annual opportunity to highlight the importance of life-saving skills and their ability to make a difference when time is critical. This year’s theme, “First Aid and Sports,” sheds light on the unique risks faced by athletes and the essential role of first aid in preventing injuries from turning into tragedies.
First Aid: A Critical Lifeline in Sports
Okwaraji’s unexpected death on the pitch of the National Stadium in Lagos, Nigeria left a pall on the day’s events and a mark on the many lives who witnessed the tragedy.
Okwaraji’s case also serves as a reminder of the need for well-trained medical personnel on the sidelines during sporting events. With proper CPR(Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) access, cardiac arrest victims have a much higher chance of survival.
Fast forward to June 2021, another match, another rising star, a few thousand miles from Lagos, and a few decades after Italy ‘90, Christian Eriksen collapses while playing a UEFA Euro 2020 game.
But thankfully, his story ended differently.
Eriksen suffered a sudden cardiac arrest on the field, and thanks to the immediate response of medical staff and the availability of an AED, his life was saved. It is important to note that the medical team, who were on the sidelines, got to Eriksen within 10 seconds of his collapse.
The swift administration of CPR and defibrillation allowed Eriksen to be stabilized and transported to a hospital for further care.
Over the years, we have heard many stories of young men and women collapsing during sporting events across Nigeria.
According to Health News, 9 in 10 Nigerians lack basic first aid skills, which means that those who suffer sporting injuries are often not able to receive immediate medical attention.
The need for qualified first aiders (or medical personnel for larger events), and adequate first aid supplies at sporting events cannot be overemphasised. The physical demands of sporting activities come with a high risk of injuries, ranging from minor sprains to life-threatening cardiac events. The unpredictability of sports incidents underscores the need for quick and effective first aid response.
Research has also shown that players often suffered the most injuries from contact sports and high-intensity sports such as basketball, football, soccer, rugby and hockey.
A 2020 study in Spain found that soccer, judo, and basketball had the highest injury rate, that as much as 40.4% of the test subjects had been injured the previous year.
First Aid is a Necessary Skill for All
The stories of Okwaraji and Eriksen highlight one crucial truth: first aid saves lives.
Whether it is a cardiac arrest like in the cases of Okwaraji and Eriksen, a head injury from a fall, or a broken bone, the immediate actions taken in the first few minutes can mean the difference between life and death.
Encouraging First Aid Education in Sports
Sports bodies, teams, and even fans should recognize that first aid isn’t just for medical professionals. Everyone involved in sports, from athletes to spectators, should have basic first-aid training.
This means that they should be conversant with the following:
- CPR and Defibrillation: Athletes, coaches, and medical staff should be trained to administer CPR and use an AED. Cardiac arrest can happen to even the fittest of athletes, and quick action is critical.
- Dealing with Concussions: Head injuries are common in sports. Recognizing the signs of a concussion and taking appropriate action, such as preventing the injured player from continuing, can prevent long-term damage.
- Treating Heat-Related Injuries: In sports where athletes compete in high temperatures, conditions like **heat exhaustion** or **heat stroke** are possible. Immediate cooling, hydration, and medical attention can prevent a medical emergency.
The availability of first aid equipment and the proper training to use it effectively are crucial for preventing fatalities and ensuring prompt treatment in case of injuries.
As we celebrate World First Aid Day 2024, we advocate for the integration of first aid education into the sports community, ensuring that every sporting event, no matter the level, is prepared to handle medical emergencies.
May the memories of Samuel Okwaraji inspire us to equip ourselves with the skills to act in time and let Christian Eriksen’s survival motivate us to never underestimate the power of first aid in sports.
For more on first aid kits and training, contact us here.
