A Birmingham City fan has met the medical crew who rescued him after his heart stopped during a game at Crawley Town's stadium. Steve Poulter, aged 67, fell ill during a League Two match on a Monday in late December 2024 and received emergency aid at the scene prior to hospital transfer.
A companion with Poulter quickly notified the on-site medical team from Revive Medical Solutions. A trainee paramedic named Jack Nelson called the regional ambulance service's control center, where an advisor called Daisy Burrows managed the dispatch of ambulances. Poulter was then taken to a hospital in Brighton for a recovery period lasting over two weeks.
Months later, Poulter expressed his thanks to the lifesavers, including a critical care paramedic named Laini Marshall and a specialist operative named Matthew Dale. He stated he was extremely thankful to all who assisted him that day, noting their fast response was essential for his survival.
The response was commended as a collaborative success. Matthew Dale highlighted how swiftly stadium stewards cleared a path for emergency access. Laini Marshall stressed the vital sequence of steps that saves lives, pointing out that Poulter's case shows why quickly identifying the problem, performing chest compressions, and using a defibrillator are so key during a cardiac arrest. She described it as an effort involving the venue's medical team, the ambulance control room, crews, and hospital staff.
Poulter's wife, Judy, was at her home far away when it happened. She mentioned first seeing a match delay notification without initial concern, then becoming aware of a serious situation when her husband's friend tried to reach the family. Their daughter Johanna, an intensive care nurse, shared that while she knows professionally how vital the initial moments are, experiencing it with a parent is entirely distinct. The family is deeply thankful for the extra moments they now have with him.
After getting better, Poulter has gone back to supporting his team and enjoyed a rescheduled holiday. The ambulance service is sharing his story to promote public training in chest compressions, awareness of defibrillator sites, and use of an app that summons volunteers to urgent medical situations.
Attention at Crawley Town shifts back to football, where the team is near the bottom of the league table after a handful of games. Their latest performances include a mix of results. The club aims to better its standing, and fans can view future match dates. The staff's proven ability to handle severe non-playing emergencies continues to be a key part of matchday safety at their ground.
The original report is at V2 Radio
