While the Zalgiris fan who suffered a cardiac arrest during the game against Monaco in Kaunas is now in stable condition, the incident served as a reminder for both EuroLeague clubs and fans to review and be aware of the emergency protocols in place.
The fan in Kaunas who suffered a cardiac arrest during the EuroLeague game between Zalgiris and AS Monaco is now in stable condition. Although still under medical care, his life is no longer in danger.
| Player of the Game | |
|
EFF
12
|
| Laurynas Birutis | |
| Points | 9 |
| Accuracy | 3-3 |
| Rebounds | 3 |
| Assists | 0 |
However, the near-death scare served as an essential reminder of the critical importance of emergency readiness to the EuroLeague clubs.
Zalgiris captain Edgaras Ulanovas publicly questioned why the game wasn't stopped as the fan was being resuscitated at the start of the third quarter.
However, sources tell BasketNews that the EuroLeague praised the Zalgiris security and arena management for their fast and effective response, ensuring the individual received immediate care.
According to BasketNews sources, the EuroLeague remained in contact with Zalgiris throughout the incident. Since it was confirmed that the fan's health had been stabilized, interrupting the game was deemed unnecessary, sources told BasketNews.
The incident began during halftime, as the elder fan collapsed and required immediate medical intervention. Chest compressions and other lifesaving measures were administered for more than 20 minutes.
By the time the third quarter began, the area had been discreetly covered, leading many in the arena to fear the worst. However, the prompt action of the medical team and a fellow fan who stepped in to assist ultimately saved the individual's life.
With the patient's permission, Kaunas Clinics provided an update on his condition:
"The patient's condition is stable, and there is no danger to his life," the clinic informed BasketNews. "The man has been dealing with various heart health issues for some time. He is currently hospitalized at Kaunas Clinics, receiving all the necessary medical treatment."
Following this incident, EuroLeague sent a reminder to all clubs, highlighting the importance of strictly following safety protocols to ensure the well-being of everyone present during games.
What's the protocol when something goes wrong?
In the case of a medical or security emergency involving the crowd, this is the chain of communication that can result in the game being interrupted:
- Spectators inform the nearest steward, staff member, crowd-based medic, or police officer
- Information gets to the Security Manager, who activates the medical/security services
- The Security Manager reports to the Arena Coordinator and Euroleague Basketball (EB) Delegate whether there is a need to stop the game.
EuroLeague delegate then follows:
- Reports to the referees to stop the game
- Reports to EB office and home team
- The Competition Department and home team Communication Director reports to the speaker and shares an emergency message, such as: "The game has been interrupted due to a medical emergency/security incident. We kindly ask you to remain in your seats until further notice. Thank you."
If a medical or security incident occurs on or near the court, disrupting the game:
- The referee stops the game
- The Arena Coordinator Reports to the Security Manager and activates the medical/security services
EuroLeague delegate:
- Reports to EB office and home team
- The Competition Department and Home Team Communication Director reports to the speaker, who follows with an emergency message: "The game has been interrupted due to a medical emergency/security incident. We kindly ask you to remain in your seats until further notice. Thank you."
Following the events in Kaunas, the EuroLeague has urged clubs to review key safety measures to prepare for similar emergencies in the future.
The league's emergency protocol mandates that two ambulances be present on game days – one for spectators and another for teams – each staffed by at least three certified paramedics.
If an ambulance departs due to an emergency, a replacement must arrive promptly and remain until all players, staff, and fans have left the arena.
Additionally, the EuroLeague has raised concerns about reports of missing ambulances during team practices, stressing that their presence is a requirement under league bylaws to protect players and staff.
The head of the emergency department at Kaunas Clinics, Linas Darginavicius, emphasized the critical importance of spectators' quick reactions and willingness to help.
"In cases of sudden cardiac arrest, the first few minutes are crucial, as every minute without intervention reduces the chances of survival by 10%," Darginavicius explained. "Timely first aid can save a life. Upon noticing someone collapsing, it's essential not to panic, act promptly, and call emergency services."
"While waiting for the ambulance, initial resuscitation efforts should begin, performing chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute. If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available nearby, ask others to bring it and, if necessary, perform electrical defibrillation."
