A call for improved safety standards in sports

MANILA, Philippines — From a harrowing experience last season, Ateneo Senior Boys co-captain Chris Urbina remains a player determined to compete.

If there’s a change, it’s his transformation into a vocal advocate for improved standards in sports.

For his experience left an indelible mark on him and on everyone who witnessed it, underscoring a stark reality: the precariousness of player safety and the urgent need for better medical preparedness in sports venues.

Urbina had faced an ordeal during a UAAP Season 86 preseason game when he stepped up to draw a charge and then his opponent’s knee struck his chest, sending him to seizure.

What followed was a whirlwind of uncertainty that involved exhaustive hospital tests, to the emotional arrival of his father from Iloilo. Fortunately, the tests revealed no lasting damage, allowing Urbina to return to the game he loves.

But his story has since evolved into a rallying cry for change. His ordeal shines a spotlight on the critical role of trained medical personnel, such as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and athletic trainers, at sports events. These professionals provide more than just a safety net; they are the first line of defense in emergencies, capable of handling everything from concussions to fractures to life-threatening cardiac events.

Equally important is the availability of life-saving equipment like Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in every sports venue. Sudden cardiac arrests, though rare, can strike without warning, and in the adrenaline-charged world of competitive sports, the risks are magnified. AEDs, operated by trained staff, can restore a heart’s rhythm in seconds, bridging the gap between a critical incident and emergency care.