Ariadne Massa
Valletta fan received ‘immediate’ help
The incident happened during last Monday’s crunch match between Valletta and Hibernians. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli
The Malta Football Association president has rubbished accusations made by some Valletta City fans that a man who died of a heart attack during last Sunday’s match did not receive immediate medical assistance.
Norman Darmanin Demajo said a doctor assisted Louis Micallef, 56, within five minutes of the man collapsing during a crunch match between Valletta and Hibernians.
Mr Darmanin Demajo was contacted after several Valletta fans said they were upset that “one of our own” had to wait 15 minutes before receiving medical assistance.
They also questioned why an ambulance had to be called in, when one was always on stand-by at the stadium during all premier league matches and could have bought Mr Micallef precious time.
Mr Darmanin Demajo stressed that the police, who are responsible for security issues at the stadium, immediately called for an ambulance, which arrived some 20 minutes later.
However, their arrival was delayed because paramedics had to walk the last 100 metres to get inside because certain supporters had parked haphazardly, blocking the route.
“The police never asked to use the ambulance that was on stand-by. Theoretically, the MFA books the ambulance for players who may get injured on the pitch, but it can be used at any time in an emergency if necessary,” he said.
“I’m very sorry about what happened to Mr Micallef and it is a tragedy, but people are trying to find fault where there isn’t any.
“A magisterial inquiry is under way and I have no doubt it will confirm the situation was handled with the utmost responsibility,” Mr Darmanin Demajo stressed.
Dr Mark Aquilina, the doctor who administered first aid to Mr Micallef, had been sitting on the reserves’ bench when he heard somebody had passed out during the second half. He immediately ran to the spot.
“When I got there Mr Micallef was gasping and his situation seemed critical – he was suffering a massive heart attack,” he said, adding that the police immediately informed him they had called an ambulance.
After assessing the situation, Dr Aquilina felt there was no way he could leave Mr Micallef alone at any point, and when asked why the ambulance on stand-by at the stadium was not used, he said this was not well equipped to handle “a situation of this kind”.
“I also didn’t have the experienced staff on hand to help me transport the man, who was large in stature, to the ambulance,” he added.
As he attempted to administer first aid, Dr Aquilina, who works part-time with the MFA, also had to put up with threatening intimidation from Valletta fans who were irate that their team were losing an important match.
Dr Aquilina said despite his attempts to save him, by the time the ambulance arrived, Mr Micallef was practically dead and there was no sign of life left in him.
Relatives of Mr Micallef described him as an avid Valletta supporter, who attended the match alone. “The match probably proved to be too exciting for Louis. He had been texting his brother during the match to keep him updated on the score.
“The family have heard witnesses criticise the lack of immediate assistance, but we didn’t hear the immediate family make such complaints,” a relative said.
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Paul Micallef
Oct 3rd 2011, 10:17
Morna lura Sur Darmanin Demajo, flok iggib l iskuzi ahjar tara li tirranga l affarijiet. Jekk kif qed tghid int il parking sar bl addocc, allura x kienu qed jaghmlu l pulizija ta barra? Jew biex jaghtu c citazzjonijiet biss jinqalghu u mal bulijiet jibzghu il pulizija taghna?
Carmel Cilia
Oct 2nd 2011, 15:32
How long did the ambulance take to arrive from Mosta to ta Qali a very short distance. This is the crux of the matter.It should have been there in less than 10 minutes. The MFA president should give a straight forward answer. By beating round the bush no good would come out of it only more questions asked.
Mr robert micallef
Oct 2nd 2011, 15:29
i remember when we hosted a top level Karate competition, the officials asked to check out our "ambulance" when they noticed we only had a nurse and a normal ambulance they stopped the competition. Only when we managed to get a complete ambulance with 2 doctors were we allowed to continue.
Mr Lawrence Calleja
Oct 2nd 2011, 13:42
Maybe the MFA President should say whether the ambulance at the stadium is there solely for the players on the pitch and not for the specatators. I remeber a similar incident when the police asked the medical personell who were inside the ambulance for their assistance to one of the supporters, however the reply was that the medical personell was only there for the players and not the spectators. I think the MFA president should have said the truth by saying that they do not want to spend extra money on another ambulance and medical personnel for the eventual necessity of the supporters needs. Also why don't the MFA also insist to have a fire-engine inside the stadium for safety measures. The MFA in this regard are not really interested in the safety of the supporters. One can only look at the Hiberians stadium which is not even fit for third division games let alone premier and national fixtures. It's time for MFA to start to invenst in the safety of the supporters.
Mr Hans Borg
Oct 2nd 2011, 13:22
This unfortunate incident highlights the need for AED's (defibrillators) to be available at public places. This time the accident happened at a sports stadium but it can easily happen at supermarkets, cinemas, marriage venues, large offices, factories, etc.
On personal level, then one should also do his/her part by seriously thinking and acting to take a basic course in First-Aid.
Mr D Bonello
Oct 2nd 2011, 15:37
Hans you are right an AED would have saved his life.
Mr Julian Borg
Oct 3rd 2011, 07:28
There are 2 not 1 AED's at Ta Qali, one for the exclusive use of players (I don't understand this - its like the ambulance being there for players but not the public?) and another, in the VIP area, for the public - or perhaps for VIPs?
The AED's are there - the question I have is related to training and whether the doctor required the AED or not - we cannot from comment boards criticise the doctor - only he knows the state of the unfortunate victim and what could for could not have been done to save his life.
The magisterial enquiry should provide all the answers and the speculation should stop.
M Cassar
Oct 2nd 2011, 10:34
Perhaps if people stop 'rubbishing' accusations and reflect on situations everyone might just be a little bit safer. I hope the enquiry establishes if:
in places where a large number of people gather regularly (in this case where bodies are hightly taxed due to excitement and/or exertion,
a defibrillator should be kept
are club officials trained in first aid
if the ambulance on site is not well equipped what was it doing there
there were no people 'TRAINED TO CARRY' the patient suffering an infarct (this was not a spinal injury)
if cars were blocking the arrival of the ambulance, cars should regularly be towed away from such venues
did an emergency come in place for 1. someone to meet the ambulance, 2. indicate the shortest entry route, brief the ambulace crew etc. etc.?
It must be a huge shock for the family, friends and other supporters and I am sure that most send their heartfelt condolences, but for this to happen and people to refuse to learn and see what could have been done better....has reflective practice been removed from some people's vocabulary?
Mr Savio Camilleri
Oct 2nd 2011, 11:32
well said Mr. Cassar. We need to start enforcing that adequate plans and personell are in place. for sure at the grounds there will be an ambulance exclusive for the players as stated. Ambulance is equipped as basic, and only driver there will be from a private company. Medical personnel will be provided by MFA.
Why the ambulance is not provided by nurse/paramedic and a porter? This even happens at horse races and other activities.. It's all about money.
at mas events we need staff to be trained with first aid and AED training as well. Also a first aid room with trained staff there should be.
Why Dr. Aquilaina didn't gave him oxygen or administer and IVI fluids? What about Aspirin? Where was the AED? The only bag availabe was basic first aid where one could fine items related only for strains and sprains.
jesmond zammit
Oct 2nd 2011, 10:10
jien supporter furjaniz , imma lil louis kont nafu sew , kont ili hafna ma narah .sfortunatament sirt naf li kien din il gimgha u xxokkjat ruhi mhux ftit . hassra tassew hassra. nerga naghati l kondoljanzi lil familja micallef. gara x gara jalla, minn kull ma jigri madwarna , nitghalmu.