Eriksen sparks defibrillator app surge

AN ambulance defibrillator app has seen a 13-fold spike in downloads after the shocking collapse of Christian Eriksen on the pitch during a Euro 2020 game.

The resuscitation app, which gives CPR advice and helps people find their nearest defibrillator in an emergency, saw a 1,300 per cent rise in downloads following the Danish football star’s cardiac arrest during their group clash with Finland earlier this month.

After his collapse 13 minutes into their opening game of the tournament, the 29-year-old midfielder was fitted with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) to regulate his heart rhythm.

Doctors and medics performed life-saving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the turf as horrified teammates and spectators watched on. The Inter Milan and ex-Tottenham ace left Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen a week ago after a successful operation.

Now the Save a Life app, developed by South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS), has seen a 13-fold increase in downloads. It uses GPS to locate the nearest automated external defibrillator (AED) as well as a list of others in the area. It also features videos, instructions and a questionand-answer section on how to use the device.

CPR and defibrillators – devices which deliver an electric current to shock the heart muscle – enable anyone to give immediate help to patients before the emergency services arrive at the scene.