Calls for more defibrillators follow second sudden death in same family

A LEADING heart doctor has said defibrillators should be available at all sporting venues following the sudden death of a second member of the same family during a soccer game.

Michael Byrne, 29, who only started playing soccer after his brother Ken died last year, collapsed while playing for his club, River Rangers, on Sunday morning.

Mr Byrne’s sudden death has once again led to calls for the increased availability of defibrillators, a device that could save lives if used correctly and immediately on a person who has suffered a heart attack on a sports field.

Cardiologist Dr Joseph Galvin, of Dublin’s Mater Hospital, said all sports coaches should be instructed in cardiac resuscitation and how to use a defibrillator, which should be available at all sporting venues.

Dr Galvin also stressed that members of a family that has experienced the sudden death of a loved one should be thoroughly assessed.

However, this is not failsafe, as Michael Byrne was screened following his brother’s death and given the all clear.

Michael’s mother, Carmel, speaking from the family home in Cuffsgrange, Kilkenny, said yesterday her only son, Dave, is in a “terrible state” after witnessing the deaths of his two brothers.

Mrs Byrne, who lost her husband Jackie earlier this year, said: “We will only have to try to get over this. It’s terribly hard. But I have a strong faith. I can say no more.”

River Rangers secretary, Jerry Dunne, who also witnessed both tragedies, said: “Michael hadn’t played before but, when Ken died, he decided he wanted to play.

“It’s absolutely appalling.

“Everyone is stunned.

“All the people are very badly broken up. His team mates are very shook up.”

Meanwhile, the GAA has said defibrillators are available at all major venues. There is no mass screening of players, though the organisation has made submissions to a Government task force on sudden adult death syndrome (SADS).

In the wake of the death of star full back Cormac McAnallen, Tyrone screened all their players.

Kilkenny hurlers were also screened after player Noel Hickey was discovered to have been suffering from a viral infection.

One player, Conor Phelan, on the fringes of the senior team, was discovered to have a leaking valve in his heart, though he has been declared fit to play for his club next month.

“The way it’s going now and after what happened at the weekend, it looks like there should be (screening of all players),” said Ned Buggy, Kilkenny’s public relations officer.

All international soccer teams have their own defibrillators. while one was also provided to the organisers of the recent Kennedy Cup junior competition in Limerick.

Otherwise, the FAI is to wait for the recommendations of the task force to be published before deciding on further measures.

CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young), a support group for more than 100 people whose young adult relatives died suddenly, has called for the establishment of a national screening centre.

Michael Greene, a trustee whose son died suddenly 10 years ago, said the current system, where people attempt to get an appointment with already busy cardiologists, is insufficient.

Although accurate figures are not available, it is estimated that, every week, at least one otherwise fit and healthy person under 35 dies suddenly.

The recommendations of the task force will be revealed at a second national conference on SADS in early November.

The task force will call for more data on sudden cardiac death; measures to reduce defibrillation response times for cardiac arrest victims and the need to screen at-risk people.