[Saba Sports News] According to German media, an elderly supporter suffered heat-induced collapse during the friendly match where Heidenheim lost 3-1 to Hamburger SV. Reports state that shortly before half-time, a fan suddenly collapsed. The stadium announcer made repeated urgent public address appeals for an ambulance. Faced with this sudden medical emergency, supporters of both Hamburger SV and Heidenheim immediately stopped chanting out of respect for human life. Upon hearing the almost desperate appeal over the loudspeakers, 54-year-old HSV team doctor Dr. Wolfgang Schillings grabbed the first-aid kit kept beside the substitutes’ bench and rushed straight to the scene. An elderly fan was lying on the ground, suspected of suffering an acute cardiovascular episode triggered by the extreme heat in the Tyrol region. The fan briefly lost consciousness after collapsing. As no other medics were present at the venue, Dr. Schillings began emergency treatment without delay. Though the gentleman had regained the ability to speak, he was still not fully lucid. A specialist in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Dr. Schillings swiftly established an intravenous line for the patient. While the fan was unable to stand unaided, his vital signs remained stable throughout.
Dr. Schillings stayed by the patient’s side the entire time and even helped transfer him to the ambulance. During transport, he held the infusion bag aloft throughout the journey to ensure the fluid flowed into the patient’s vein via gravity. He did not pack up his first-aid kit and hurry back to the substitutes’ bench until the fan was safely lifted into the ambulance, which then left the stadium for hospital. Undoubtedly, Dr. Schillings’ actions are worthy of praise from all supporters.