SG Mildenberg invests in safety: defibrillator after tragedy!

SG Mildenberg invests in safety: defibrillator after tragedy!

A sad episode that inspired change: In the SG Mildenberg clubhouse, a picture of Ronny Kessel, who collapsed during a soccer game on April 26th, adorns the wall. Despite immediate first aid measures, such as chest compressions, his life could no longer be saved as no defibrillator was available at the time. This harrowing experience led those responsible for the club to purchase such a security officer for the future.

The defibrillator, which was financed from club funds for around 2,000 euros - without sponsorship - is intended not only to be of benefit to the club members, but also to be made available to the neighboring primary school. The company Medizintechnik Jochum recently presented the new automated external defibrillator (AED) and explained how to use it. “We hope we never have to use the device,” emphasizes club boss Marc Nachtigall. “However, we now feel better prepared for emergencies.”

Focus on life-saving measures

The Ronny Kessel tragedy has also brought focus to the need for cardiac safety training. The “Herzsicher” initiative, supported by the Björn Steiger Foundation and the German Football Association (DFB), is committed to ensuring that life-saving skills are anchored in society. This is intended to increase the chances of survival in the event of sudden cardiac arrest. Free training on resuscitation and the use of AED devices provides practical access to these serious topics. The training courses are conducted by certified first aid trainers from the Association of Private First Aid Schools (VpEH) and take place in club houses, offices or even living rooms.

Sudden cardiac death is one of the most common causes of death in Germany; Accordingly, it is important to act quickly in critical situations. Because in the event of a cardiac arrest, every second counts. Around 50 percent of patients show ventricular fibrillation at the beginning, which can be converted into a stable heart rhythm through defibrillation. Automated external defibrillators (AED) are small, easy-to-use devices that can be found in many public places and can also be used by laypeople. The Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB) offers training courses on how to use these devices, which are carried out in different formats (2, 4 or 7 lessons) depending on the participants' previous knowledge.

Commitment to the future

There are now 240 members playing in SG Mildenberg, including 160 children and young people, who can play safely on the pitch thanks to a growing number of teams. The sporting commitment among children and young people is strong and will continue to be supported in the future through the purchase of the defibrillator. “We want our members to be safe and have everything they need ready in the event of an emergency,” explains Nachtigall.

The idea is clear - it's about joining forces to ensure that action can be taken in an emergency. Awareness and willingness to provide first aid is at the heart of this initiative. Ultimately, says Nachtigall, it would be desirable for politicians and the national football association to better support sports clubs and promote such safety measures.