Rick Hendriks is awake and talking

Rick “Tank” Hendriks, a 12-year-old boy who suffered cardiac arrest on a rugby field at Tuine Sport Club on Tuesday afternoon, has regained consciousness in hospital and has not suffered any brain damage.

According to his rugby coach, Nico Diedericks, Rick is awake and able to communicate.
“We are all incredibly relieved to see him conscious and talking,” he said.

“We can only thank God that he is OK and didn’t suffer any brain damage.”

Diedericks added that a cardiologist would assess the boy’s condition on Monday and determine how to proceed from this point.

Hendriks, who plays in the prop position for his school, was making his way onto the field when he collapsed during a practice session.

Also read: Young prop (12) still unconscious after cardiac arrest on rugby field

Diedericks and his brother, AJ, immediately rushed onto the field and administered CPR on the young rugby player.

Diedericks told Rekord that Hendriks was blue in the face and had no pulse.

“After about three minutes, Rick regained consciousness and started vomiting and I turned him on his side,” said Diedericks.

Best Care Emergency were soon on the scene and were able to stabilise Hendriks.
It was later revealed at the hospital that Hendriks has enlarged heart chambers, which contributed to the incident.

Hendriks is described as a very talented rugby player. He played for Laerskool Tuine’s first rugby team.

He played an instrumental role in the u.13 team’s victory at Stadsbeker.

Willem Strauss, president of the Bluetooth Bulls Rugby Union, praised Diederick’s brave actions.

“If it hadn’t been for the coaches who were able to perform CPR, the outcome would have been totally different.

“Thank you for everyone’s messages of support and we wish him all the best of luck in the recovery process,” said Strauss.

Laerskool Tuine will be playing a rugby match over the weekend and players will be sporting a special armband in support of Hendriks.

Also read: A 12-year-old goes into cardiac arrest before rugby practice

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