Footballer Dragisa Gudelj wanted to finish match after resuscitation

A terrifying moment occurred during the FC Córdoba - Racing Ferrol football match, in Spain on 25 March 2023. Around the 11th minute of the match, footballer Gudelj collapses. He is resuscitated, but what happens next is remarkable!

After Gudelj collapsed, emergency services from both teams immediately sprung into action, several news sites reported. Emergency services give the 25-year-old footballer chest compressions and an AED (which we recognise from the footage as the ZOLL AED Plus) was rushed to his resuscitators. It was an anxious moment for both fellow players and spectators, followed by a relieved applause when Gudelj suddenly moved. Remarkably, he wanted to resume the match.

Image © Twitter @Jdp78

Footballer Gudelj taken to the hospital after resuscitation

Gudelj was lifted into the ambulance by emergency workers, but the footballer struggled, sat upright and tried to get off the stretcher.  However his fellow players, the ambulance staff and the referee all managed to stop him. The footballer was taken to hospital for checks. His brother Nemanja Gudlej - who incidentally also plays football and has played for Dutch teams NAC Breda and Ajax - later announced that Dragisa is doing well. He expressed his thanks to all of the aid workers and doctors.

A situation like this once again highlights the facts: the presence of an AED is very important!