A footballer has suffered three cardiac arrests during an amateur match.
José Alberto Crespo was left fighting for his life after suddenly collapsing on the pitch during a game on Saturday (3 Oct).
He was rushed to hospital in a private pick-up truck after reports of problems with the ambulance at the venue.
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His teammates continued performing CPR on him during the desperate journey to hospital.
Crespo, who plays for the team La Banda de Judiciales, remains in intensive care in a medically induced coma.
The dramatic incident happened during a match in the Torneo Don Pedro amateur football competition at the Cubito sports complex in Neuquén, Argentina.
According to reports, a nurse who was among the spectators began performing CPR on José while an ambulance was being prepared.
His teammates were eventually forced to load him into the back of the truck and drive him to the Hospital Bouquet Roldán.
They continued performing CPR during the journey as they desperately tried to keep him alive.
Once at hospital, Crespo was reportedly found to have suffered three consecutive cardiac arrests.
His condition was described as critical, with family, friends and team-mates waiting anxiously for updates on his recovery.
Organisers acknowledged there had been a problem with the ambulance’s rear door, which they said occurred when people climbed inside to try to open it.
They said the ambulance was stationed at the venue and reached Crespo within around two or three minutes of being called.
Crespo’s family and teammates have joined a chain of prayers for his recovery as he remains critically ill in hospital, as reported by Need To Know.
The incident has also prompted renewed calls for stronger medical cover and emergency protocols at amateur sporting events.
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