Defibrillator that could have helped footballer was locked in cupboard – and staff didn’t have a key

A defibrillator that could have helped a young footballer, who died after on-field collision, was locked in a club’s cupboard – and staff didn’t have the key to open it, according to new documents.

A defibrillator that could have helped save the life of injured footballer Antonio Lo Iacono was locked inside a cupboard in the clubrooms at the Gumeracha football club – and medical staff did not have the key to open it, according to a document filed in the Supreme Court.

The claim is included in an affidavit filed by lawyer Greg Griffin, acting for Wendy Smith, the mother of Lo Iacono and who was at Gumeracha oval to watch her 20-year-old son play for Birdwood and witnessed the head knock that would kill him.

Lo Iacono suffered two head injuries in the Hills Football League game on April 22, 2023, the second leaving him unconscious. He was taken to hospital and was pronounced dead later that day.

Birdwood footballer Antonio Loiacono died after an on-field collision during an Adelaide Hills Football League match. Picture: Supplied

“The Gumeracha defibrillator could not be located by trainers/medical staff it having been left in a locked cupboard within the Gumeracha clubrooms to which none of the medical staff had a key,’’ Mr Griffin says in the affidavit.

“The delay in bringing the defibrillator onto the field of play to assist in the resuscitation of Antonio wasted vital minutes that contributed to Antonio’s death.’’

In addition, the affidavit says the CPR applied to the injured player was “of no practical use it being wrong applied by those attempting its application’’.

Ms Smith is currently taking legal action against the South Australian National Football League, the Birdwood and Gumeracha football clubs and the Women’s and Children’s Hospital over the death of her son.

Birdwood footballer Antonio Loiacono died on Sunday night after an on-field collision during an Adelaide Hills Football League match. Picture: Supplied

Wendy Smith at Hope Valley Football Club for the anniversary of her son Antonio Lo Iacono's death. Image/Russell Millard Photography

Mr Griffin has also written to the Birdwood and Gumeracha football clubs seeking details of records on what training had been provided to staff on defibrillator use.

Mr Griffin has lodged an application in the Supreme Court asking the SANFL to produce documents relating to the league’s concussion policies which covered community football going back to 2019.

The affidavit also alleges the SANFL removed its concussion protocols from its website after Lo Iacono’s death and replaced them with less rigorous AFL regulations.

Under the original SANFL rules, any player suspected of having suffered a concussion should be assessed within 10 minutes and if that is failed, they are not allowed to return to the field. Furthermore, a player would require a medical clearance before returning in subsequent weeks.

Lo Iacono had suffered concussion while playing for Waikerie in 2022 and had again been concussed in a trial game playing for Birdwood before the 2023 season.

Wendy Smith on the anniversary of her son Antonio Lo Iacono's death. Image/Russell Millard Photography

Mr Griffin is seeking documents from the SANFL showing “medical certificates and reports and documents confirming Antonio’s capacity to participate in the Birdwood v Gumeracha’’ game.

The affidavit also asks for documents showing the development of the SANFL’s concussion policies, minutes from meetings on the topic and correspondence with the AFL.

It also asks for the records of all concussions suffered by players in community leagues going back to 2019 and the medical reports confirming they were fit to return to play.

An SANFL spokesman said “the matter was with their lawyers and won’t comment at this time’’.

Originally published as Defibrillator that could have helped footballer was locked in cupboard – and staff didn’t have a key