Emergency preparedness on the pickleball court: Insights from firefighters and pickleball gold medalists 

Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America. It is bringing together players of all ages for fast-paced, heart-pumping fun. But with its popularity comes a lesser-known reality: cardiac emergencies can and do happen during play. 

That’s why AED.US and Philips, the official AED provider of the PPA Tour, are partnering to ensure the Philips HeartStart OnSite AED is available courtside at PPA Tour events and facilities across the country. This initiative isn’t just about safety; it’s about saving lives.

To highlight the importance of being prepared, we spoke with Martin and Chris Robertson, firefighter brothers and recent gold medal winners at the 2025 World Police & Fire World Games. Their first-hand knowledge of emergency response offers critical insight for players, spectators, and facilities alike, both on and off the pickleball court.

Martin and Chris Robertson celebrate their men’s doubles gold medal in Birmingham, AL. Martin Robertson

First things first: What to do if someone collapses

According to Martin, the very first step is simple but critical: “Call 911. That’s the most important thing you can do.”

Once help is on the way, you should check if the person is breathing and has a pulse. If not, start CPR and locate the AED.

“Hopefully they [pickleball facility] have an AED,” Martin adds. “They are very user-friendly. Just pull the pads out, follow the diagrams, and listen to the voice instructions.”

Chris stresses the importance of staying calm: “If you’re going to need help with an AED, just shout for a bystander. Remain calm and follow the instructions. Whoever’s doing chest compressions should keep going until first responders arrive.”

Why AEDs matter, especially in pickleball

Cardiac arrest can happen suddenly, even to healthy and active individuals. And with pickleball’s wide-ranging age groups, being prepared is even more critical.

“Pickleball is super popular,” Chris explains. “There are all different kinds of ages and people playing. A lot of them may disregard health conditions or overestimate their fitness level because the game is so fun.”

Martin puts it simply: “Anytime you’re getting a lot of people together, and then add in an active, cardiovascular sport, having an AED on hand is paramount.”

An AED on the court at a PPA Tour event. AED.US

AEDs save lives, even when you haven’t needed one yet

Martin hasn’t had to use an AED on a call yet, but he knows it’s only a matter of time: “That doesn’t mean it can’t happen, and it most likely will. Having the AED there, plus CPR, is what’s ultimately going to save lives.”

Chris agrees: “An AED can really help the situation. If there’s someone trained, or even just willing to act, it could absolutely be a difference-maker.”

A message to facilities: Don’t wait until it’s too late

When asked what advice they’d give to pickleball clubs or rec centers, the answer was immediate:

“Get one,” says Martin. “You don’t want to be that facility that didn’t have an AED if something happens on your watch.”

Chris echoes the urgency: “Pickleball isn’t just for athletes. It’s for everyone, and that means all kinds of health conditions on the court. The risk is real.”

It’s critically important to be prepared for a cardiac emergency. AED.US

Be a first responder, on and off the court

You don’t need to be a firefighter to help save a life. A CPR training course and the presence of an AED can empower anyone to make a difference.

“Take a CPR class,” Martin says. “You never know when you’ll need it. It could save a life on a regular afternoon while you’re out having lunch with your kids.”

Chris sums it up perfectly: “Be a first responder, on and off the court, at all times. Someone’s life could be in your hands.”

Want to protect your pickleball court or facility?

Learn more and explore the Philips Onsite AED Pickleball Bundle, designed specifically for pickleball facilities, through the AED.US, Philips, and PPA Tour partnership.