THE death of a schoolboy who collapsed during football training has reignited a debate over the need for defibrillators at sports grounds.
Kieran McDade, 13, suffered a suspected heart attack while on the pitch at Dunbeth Football Club in Coatbridge.
The youngster, from Airdrie, was rushed to hospital, but fell into a coma and died eight days later.
For every one minute delay in defibrillation, the survival rate of a cardiac arrest victim decreases by as much as 10 per cent.
Dr Andrew Murray, a consultant in sports and exercise medicine at the University of Edinburgh, said having a defibrillator in place at sports grounds can “make a real difference”.
He added: “It’s important to encourage people to take part in sport, but we also need to make sure that we consider how we can best look out for their welfare.
“What I think is a really positive thing that is happening in Scottish sport is that efforts are being made to recognise the importance of looking after people who are taking part in physical activity.
“I would encourage any sports centre that has a large number of people taking part in physical activity to make sure there is a defibrillator in place.
“It’s also important to make sure that the proper training is provided – to upskill people so that they are trained in basic CPR, for example.
“There’s no point in having a defibrillator in place if no-one there knows how to use one.”
Celtic fan Kieran collapsed during a warm-up session, with coaching staff and paramedics coming to his aid.
His sister Amy has paid tribute and revealed that her brother had already saved two lives by donating his organs.
She said: “My family would like to thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts for the overwhelming prayers and support you have given us.
“Our beautiful boy is now with the angels and will forever live on in our hearts.
” North Lanarkshire Council issued a statement from Kieran’s parents, who are understood to be called Bernie and Gemma.
The couple said: “We are devastated at the loss of our lovely son. “He lived life to the full and his smile would light up a room.”
Officials at Dunbeath Football Club described Kieran as “a popular boy who gave his all for his team”.
A spokeswoman for Celtic said: “All at Celtic are sorry to hear about the sad passing of Keiran. Our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.”
Stephen Snee, head teacher of St Margaret’s High School, Airdrie, where Keiran was a pupil, also paid tribute.
He said: “Kieran was very popular with the pupils and staff. He enjoyed most subjects and PE was a particular favourite.”
Sudden cardiac arrest is a potentially fatal condition in which the heart unexpectedly stops beating.
In 2012, Fabrice Muamba suffered a cardiac arrest during a televised FA Cup match between Bolton and Tottenham Hotspur.
The Bolton midfielder survived despite his heart being stopped for 78 minutes.
The following year, 13-year-old Jamie Skinner died after suffering a heart attack while playing for Tynecastle Football Club.
In the wake of the tragedy, the Jamie Skinner Foundation campaigned to install a defibrillator in every secondary school and sports centre in Edinburgh.
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