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health10h ago
Football refs need cardiac training, says coroner
- A coroner urged mandatory training for referees and coaches to spot cardiac arrest after Adam Ankers collapsed during a Wycombe Wanderers under-19 match.
- The inquest found the defibrillator on the pitch was not used because of confusion over safety and procedures.
- The coroner noted that ordinary people and ambulance staff struggled to recognise cardiac-arrest symptoms and agonal breathing.
- The inquest ruled the failure to spot cardiac arrest more than minimally contributed to Adam Ankers' death.
- Adam Ankers died in February 2024 after collapsing in January during a match in England.
- The FA argued that mandatory training could exclude children from refereeing, according to submissions to the inquest.
- The coroner published a prevention of future deaths report with recommendations.
- The inquest investigated the wider issue of responding to cardiac arrest in football settings, including 999 call handling.
- The coroner emphasized a broad societal responsibility for first aid training beyond football contexts.
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