35,000 Football Fans trained in CPR at EURO 2024

While the final of Euro 2024 ended in disappointment for England fans, the tournament was a major win for education around cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA).

Training in CPR was given in partnership with the European Resuscitation Council at fan zones across Germany. The campaign’s aim was to educate football fans, players and coaches on SCA and increase rates of bystander CPR.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Football

Denmark ace Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest on the pitch at EURO 2020 sent shockwaves around the world, the then 29-year-old collapsed during a group stage game against Finland in June 2021.

CPR from medics at the stadium and several shocks from a defibrillator saved Eriksen’s life and miraculously, the midfielder returned to action at this summer’s tournament. SCA doesn’t just strike footballers; there have been several instances of fans collapsing in the stands at football matches having suffered cardiac arrest.

In May 2024, Aston Villa fan Josh Moseley collapsed in the stands of a Europa Conference League game. The 24-year-old had suffered a cardiac arrest and needed immediate treatment to save his life.

Luckily, trainee paramedic Heidi Elliot was also in the crowd and rushed to Josh’s aid, performing CPR on him until medics arrived with a defibrillator. Josh made a full recovery thanks to Heidi’s CPR which ensured blood was still being pumped around his body while in cardiac arrest.

Educating more football fans in CPR means better outcomes for people suffering SCA in football stadiums - like Josh.

How fans were trained

Training booths were set up across the fan zones, where fans would be encouraged to take part in sessions with CPR manikins in the presence of trained professionals. The manikins were also fitted with sensors to measure the depth and rate of chest compressions while giving feedback.

When giving CPR it is important to compress the chest at a depth of around 5 cm, and a rate of around twice a second.

In addition to fans, the participating EURO 2024 teams have also received life-saving training at their base camps. The initiative has been extended to match officials, staff and volunteers working at the tournament.

Protect those closest to you

The best thing you can do to protect those around you from sudden cardiac death is to be prepared and confident in your CPR skills.

Imperative Training has been equipping learners across the UK with the skills to save a life since 2003. Contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to discuss your needs and see how we can help you.