José Alberto Crespo, a player for the team La Banda de Judiciales, suffered three cardiac arrests during an amateur football match. He collapsed on the pitch on Saturday, October 3, and was left fighting for his life.
Crespo was rushed to hospital in a private pick-up truck after reports of problems with the ambulance at the venue. His teammates continued performing CPR on him during the journey to the Hospital Bouquet Roldán.
Incident at amateur tournament in Neuquén
The dramatic incident occurred during a match in the Torneo Don Pedro amateur football competition at the Cubito sports complex in Neuquén, Argentina. According to reports, a nurse among the spectators began performing CPR on Crespo while an ambulance was being prepared.
His teammates eventually loaded him into the back of the truck and drove him to hospital, continuing CPR during the journey in an attempt to keep him alive.
Condition and response
Once at hospital, Crespo was found to have suffered three consecutive cardiac arrests. His condition was described as critical, with family, friends and teammates waiting anxiously for updates on his recovery.
Organisers acknowledged there had been a problem with the ambulance's rear door, which they said occurred when people climbed inside to try to open it. They said the ambulance was stationed at the venue and reached Crespo within around two or three minutes of being called.
Calls for stronger medical cover
Crespo's family and teammates have joined a chain of prayers for his recovery as he remains critically ill in hospital. The incident has also prompted renewed calls for stronger medical cover and emergency protocols at amateur sporting events.
