Lifesaving Newcastle United fan opens up on new ‘hero’ status

The Newcastle United fan who was called into heroic lifesaving action during the match on Sunday has spoken out about what happened.

Dr Tom Prichard was one of 52,000 fans inside of St. James' Park for the Magpies' first match since the club's takeover was completed last week.

A&E consultant at the University Hospital of North Tees in Stockton was off the clock but snapped into action when a fellow fan fell into cardiac arrest.

The match was stopped after Spurs defender Sergio Reguilon spotted the incident unfolding and reported it to the referee.

Before emergency services could arrive to take the man to the hospital, it was the work of Dr Prichard and other fans that succeeded in keeping him alive.

The local hero spoke to BBC Breakfast this morning and said: "There was an elderly gentleman laid out on the seats in cardiac arrest, and CPR ongoing. Luckily, St John’s got the pads on quickly. Another friend 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. I had no idea what was going on behind me. I had no idea the match had been stopped.

"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. I would say when I was walking back, and fans were chanting "hero" at me, that was one of the best moments of my life."

Mehrdad Ghodoussi praises ‘real hero’

New Newcastle owner Mehrdad Ghodoussi also praised the fan for his actions.

Mr Ghodoussi labelled Dr Prichard a ‘real hero’ for the vital steps he took.

Club statement

The club has now confirmed that the supporter requiring treatment is "stable and responsive in hospital".

The statement continued: "The club would like to thank fans for their swift actions in raising the alarm and praise those who provided immediate chest compressions, as well as thanking the on-site medical professionals who swiftly administered emergency treatment using a defibrillator located close to the incident."