Hero doctor reveals how he saved Newcastle fan’s life after cardiac arrest before being hailed by entire stadium
THE doctor who helped save a fellow Newcastle fan’s life opened up on the dramatic events.
And he added having St James’ Park chant for him as a hero was ‘one of the best moments of my life’.
Sunday’s match against Tottenham was suspended during the first half when the elderly gentleman suffered a cardiac arrest in the stands.
Dr Tom Pritchard was sat in the Gallowgate end and rushed to help before Newcastle club doctor Paul Catterson joined in the effort to resuscitate the supporter with CPR.
Newcastle confirmed last night the fan is ‘stable and responsive’ in hospital after the major health scare which saw him stretchered out of the ground.
Dr Pritchard – who was given a standing ovation upon returning to his seat – appeared on BBC Breakfast this morning to share his experiences.
The accident and emergency worker said: “It’s something you see at work fairly often, but I haven’t really had this outside of the hospital before.
“There was an elderly gentleman laid out on the seats in cardiac arrest, and CPR ongoing.
“Luckily, St Johns were fairly quick, got the pads on quickly. Took over CPR.
“Another friend, Matty, who sits next to me came over as well, and we gave the guy a shock through the defibrillator.
“He was quite fortunate, as well, as very quickly an intensive care doctor arrived, a cardiologist arrived, and we were able to bring him back again.”
Dr Pritchard added: “I had no idea what was going on behind me. I just went into overdrive, and focused on the matter on hand.
“When I got back to my seat, I had no idea the match had been stopped. I just focused on what was happening.
“This wasn’t just me. I had a friend helping out, and the other two doctors. St John’s were brilliant, the club doctor came over to lend a hand.
“I would say when I was walking back to my seat and 10,000 fans from the Gallowgate were chanting hero at me, that was one of the best moments of my life.”
More to follow…