Uefa to honour medical team for saving Eriksen
The medical team that saved Christian Eriksen’s life will be the recipients of the 2021 UEFA President’s Award along with Denmark captain Simon Kjaer.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin described the individuals as “the true heroes of Euro 2020” after rushing to Eriksen’s aid in Denmark’s opening group game against Finland.
Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest and collapsed on the field at Parken Stadium on June 12, but is now on the road to recovery after he was resuscitated on the pitch.
UEFA said the accolade is a “mark of homage for their vital contributions”, with Kjaer sharing the honour for his reaction in immediately helping Eriksen as well as for the “exceptional leadership qualities” he displayed.
Eriksen, who returned to Inter for tests to determine whether his career can resume, said: “I would like to thank Morten [Skjoldager], Morten [Boesen] and the medical team who helped in Parken on 12 June. You did a fantastic job and saved my life
“Also a big thanks to my friend and captain Simon and my teammates in the Danish team for your support, both on 12 June and afterwards.
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“Thanks to all the fans who have sent messages to me and my family. It means a lot and has given us strength and support. Thank you.”
Ceferin added: “This year, the President’s Award transcends football. It serves as an important and eternal reminder of just how precious life is and puts everything in our lives into the clearest perspective.
“I would also like to send my very best wishes to Christian Eriksen and his family as he continues his recovery.”
Eriksen was resuscitated through the use of the Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) technique and a defibrillator before he was stretchered off and taken to hospital.
“We rushed to the field to help [Christian] and to do our job,” said Mogens Kreutzfeldt, chief medical officer for Euro 2020 in Copenhagen.
“We did what we should, what we were taught, what we were trained to do. Everybody knew their role, everybody knew what to do. We were not emotional at the scene. Afterwards, we were, of course, like everybody. We’re very happy and proud of the outcome.”