THE odds of footballers across the world surviving an on-pitch sudden cardiac arrest may be significantly improved with Fifa set to issue new Medical Emergency Bag to all its 209 member associations.

Presenting the backpack to the congress delegates, FIFA’s Chief Medical Officer Professor Jiri Dvorak, said pitch-side medics and first responders will be trained to use the potentially life-saving technology. 

The critical element of the backpack is the automated external defibrillator (AED), easily visible in a clear pocket at the front of the bag. 

This portable device can immediately diagnose suspected heart problems and defibrillation can be initiated if the heartbeat appears weak, irregular or has stopped altogether. The bag also holds an instructional video and a medical emergency kit.

"Global use of defibrillators is one of the highest priorities for FIFA in our battle to prevent sudden cardiac death on the pitch,” explained Michel d’Hooghe, Chairman of the FIFA Medical Committee. 

Poignantly, the congress delegates were reminded of the upcoming 10th anniversary of the death of Marc-Vivien Foe, the Cameroonian international midfielder who suffered a fatal heart attack on the pitch, at the age of 28, during the 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup in Lyon, France. 

Other high profile cases include Fabrice Muamba, who suffered a cardiac arrest during an English Premier League match in March 2012. He recovered despite his heart having stopped for more than an hour, thanks in part to the fast action taken by medics who used a defibrillator on the sidelines.

As well as being sent to all 209 of FIFA’s Member Associations, the FIFA Medical Emergency Bags will also be introduced on pitch-side at all the stadiums hosting matches at the FIFA Confederations Cup in June 2013.