A source inside the medical team that treated Christian Eriksen at the Euros confirms his implanted cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) fired within seconds of his collapse. The device, a LifeVest, delivered a life-saving shock almost instantly. British cardiologists are now demanding a review of current protocols, insisting that wider adoption of ICDs could prevent similar tragedies.
Uncovered documents show that the NHS has been slow to adopt the technology due to cost constraints. But as one leading consultant told me, "Cost cannot be a barrier to saving lives."
The Eriksen incident has reignited a debate that has been smouldering for years: why are these devices not standard issue for high-risk athletes? The answer, as always, comes down to money. The manufacturers charge a premium, and the health service balks.
But every second counts. Eriksen’s device proved that.
