A self-described ‘soccer mum’ has been hailed a hero after she performed CPR on a young player who collapsed in horrific scenes during a match in Sydney last weekend.
Off-duty paramedic Davina Hall was waiting for her daughter’s game to start when a Macarthur Rams teenager suffered a medical episode at Lynwood Park near Campbelltown on Sunday.
She, along with two Rams physios named Raynen and Dennis, rushed to the collapsed girl and immediately started CPR.
Hall’s efforts were vital in keeping the teenager alive before ambulance crews arrived and took her to Westmead Children’s Hospital, where she is still in a critical condition.
The Western Sydney Wanderers NPLW under-18s game against Macarthur was called off as shocked onlookers were left distressed by the scenes.
The Rams released a statement on Monday evening revealing the girl was making progress but was still in a serious condition.
Davina Hall (pictured with Socceroos legend Tim Cahill) helped keep a teenage girl alive after she collapsed while playing soccer in Sydney on Sunday
Hall (pictured) performed CPR on the player as spectators were left distressed when the medical emergency unfolded
The Macarthur Rams player is still in a serious condition in hospital but is making progress after her health emergency
‘The Macarthur Rams family would like to sincerely thank everyone for the overwhelming support, prayers and well wishes shown over the past 24 hours following one of our players’ critical medical episodes,’ the club wrote on Instagram.
‘We are grateful to share that she is now awake and breathing on her own.
‘While this is a very positive step forward, she is still not out of the woods, and we kindly ask that you continue to keep her and her family in your thoughts and prayers.
‘Thank you for standing beside our Rams family during this incredibly difficult time. Your support means more than words can express.’
Aussies online praised Hall for her quick thinking and efforts to keep the young player alive while help was on the way.
‘Thank you, Davina. Your incredible response and composure won’t be forgotten by the Rams families,’ one person said.
‘Thank you Davina, you are a superstar,’ another wrote.
‘She is a heroine. An angel. Thank goodness she was at the scene,’ a third said on Facebook.
The incident occurred at Lynwood Park, near Campbelltown in Sydney’s south-west
Luke Roodenburg wrote on a soccer club Facebook page: ‘This mother has given so much to the footballing community. Now it’s time for the footballing community to wrap our arms around this family in need.’
In April, a 32-year-old man collapsed midway through his game at the View Street grounds, home of the West Pennant Hills Redbacks, in Sydney’s northwest.
Witnesses desperately tried to resuscitate the man for more than 30 minutes until paramedics arrived.
He was then rushed to Westmead Hospital in critical condition, where he later died.
Daily Mail contacted Macarthur Rams and Hall for comment.
