CPR and four defibrillator shocks: Batter remains not out after surviving cardiac arrest in cricket match

Cricketers and spectators performed CPR and used a defibrillator to revive a batsman who collapsed after going into cardiac arrest.

The Swannanoa Cricket Club player collapsed running between the wickets against Ohoka at Mandeville Sports Ground on Saturday.

Christchurch Metro Cricket manager Mike Harvey said the batter was running down the pitch when he collapsed at the other end.

At first, people thought he tripped, but when he failed to move, they realised “something was seriously wrong”.

An Ohoka player who was a physiotherapist was among those who rushed to help and began CPR.

Others retrieved a defibrillator from the clubhouse, which delivered four shocks before the player’s heartbeat was restored, Harvey said.

The combined efforts helped the player regain consciousness before emergency services arrived.

The rescue helicopter was returning from a nearby job and landed about 15 minutes after the incident, Harvey said.

He said the player was flown to Christchurch Hospital, where he underwent surgery to insert two stents to treat blocked arteries.

“From what we’ve heard, he is doing well and should be coming home on Wednesday.”

Hato Hone St John said it was notified at 2.46pm on Saturday.

“Our ambulance staff treated one patient and transported them to Christchurch Public Hospital by helicopter in a critical condition,” a spokesperson said.

The match was abandoned, with players left “upset” by what they had witnessed.

Other matches at the sports ground were temporarily disrupted as players and spectators joined the emergency response, but resumed after the rescue helicopter departed.

Harvey said the incident showed the importance of defibrillators at community sporting venues.

“People didn’t hesitate. They just kind of jumped in. Everyone just tried their best, and this time ... it was a good outcome.”

He encouraged sports clubs to ensure defibrillators were available.

“If an incident like this does happen, then having a defibrillator there significantly increases the chances of people surviving.”

Swannanoa Cricket Club declined to comment.

Rafaella Melo is a multimedia journalist with more than 10 years’ experience in Brazil. She spent two years reporting for Hawke’s Bay Today before joining the NZ Herald’s Christchurch team in 2026.