'36.6°C heatwave as per regulations' still proceeded → Spectator lost consciousness, CPR administered... 23 cases of mild heat-related illness [Incheon field report]

*This content was translated by AI.

The game proceeded despite the intense heat, but chaos ensued. A tragedy unfolded as spectators collapsed.

On the 4th at Incheon SSG Landers Field, where SSG Landers and LG Twins clashed, both teams' batting lines exploded in the final innings, providing thrilling entertainment before SSG secured a 10-8 victory. However, an incident more captivating than the result occurred.

Ahead of the top of the ninth inning, one spectator cheering for SSG collapsed. Umpires confirmed the situation and spent considerable time assessing it before paramedics approached the spectator to administer emergency care.

The game was suspended. Jo Byeong-hyeon, who had entered in a save situation and completed his warm-up throws, ultimately had to return to the dugout. Cheers from the stands also ceased.

According to SSG, "The person collapsed due to heatstroke. They recalled cheering for Ahn Sang-hyun in the bottom of the eighth inning but have no memory after that." Ahn Sang-hyun led off the bottom of the eighth with a hit and successfully scored.

According to the club, the collapsed spectator was a healthy 25-year-old male. An Jeon-yo-won (Team Lead) arrived at the scene immediately after being reported by nearby spectators, confirmed the patient had no consciousness, and promptly called 119 while securing an airway. Suspected cardiac arrest, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was performed for about 20 seconds on-site before a single electrical shock was delivered using an automated external defibrillator that arrived shortly after. Emergency response continued swiftly on-site following 119 guidance.

SSG stated, "The patient regained consciousness at the scene due to rapid measures," and added, "Currently, under the accompaniment of club officials, they are being transported to Gil Hospital for a thorough condition check."

The decision to suspend the game was made at the umpires' discretion. Given the critical situation where CPR was being administered while the spectator was unconscious, the umpiring crew deemed it a major emergency and quickly ordered the game suspension.

After much difficulty, the game resumed and ended with an SSG victory, but neither spectators nor players could celebrate freely. SSG omitted various events typically held after victories.

However, due to diarrhea, one additional fan collapsed during this period. While most spectators left the stadium after the game, this spectator could not leave for a long time to receive emergency care. The 26-year-old male spectator collapsed due to his pre-existing condition in the hot weather and regained consciousness immediately after safety personnel arrived at the scene. At the patient's request, they were transported via ambulance to Inha University Hospital, where they had previously received treatment.

In addition, as many as 23 spectators requested assistance from the club for mild heat-related illness symptoms. The club immediately took measures such as administering glucose to help them recover.

SSG explained, "The club will do its utmost to support the rapid recovery of the spectator."

On this day, KBO announced it has established and implemented game operation guidelines aligned with Korea Meteorological Administration special warning levels to ensure the safety of spectators and player groups from recent record-breaking heatwaves.

Under the revised regulations, if a "Heatwave Major Warning" is issued based on Korea Meteorological Administration standards predicting a daily maximum apparent temperature of 38°C or higher or a daily maximum temperature of 39°C or higher, KBO may decide to cancel the game before 1 p.m. on the day of the match. KBO has set a policy to prioritize safety and cancel games when a Heatwave Major Warning is issued.

Following these standards, two games scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on the 4th at Seoul Jamsil Stadium (Doosan Bears vs. NC Dinos) and Gwangju-Kia Champions Field (KIA Tigers vs. KT Wiz) were cancelled due to heatwave conditions.

Incheon SSG Landers Field reached a peak temperature of 36.6°C, which did not meet the Heatwave Major Warning criteria, so the game proceeded. However, with spectators collapsing, concerns have arisen that KBO's established regulations require further review.

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*This content was translated by AI.