Hero Doctor Saves Blackburn Fan's Life Three Months After Resuscitating Newcastle Supporter At St James' Park

A hero doctor saved a Blackburn fan’s life this week, just three months after resuscitating a Newcastle supporter at another football match.

Dr Tom Prichard was part of the Middlesbrough medical team that came to the aid of an elderly home supporter who collapsed during Monday’s Championship match at Ewood Park.

Prichard and other members of the Middlesbrough medical team acted quickly after the man collapsed in the stands behind their dugout during the second half.

He was treated in the stands before being taken to hospital, where he is now in a stable condition.

A Blackburn statement said: "Rovers wish to pay a special thanks to Middlesbrough’s medical department, who were first on the scene and who were able to restart the gentleman’s breathing, as well as Rovers’ medical staff and the crowd doctor and his team for their swift response.

"After regaining consciousness, the supporter was taken by ambulance to hospital, where he is alert and stable.

"Our thoughts remain with him and his family this evening, and we hope that he makes a full and speedy recovery."

💙 Blackburn Rovers are pleased to report that the elderly gentleman who required urgent medical attention during tonight’s game is now in a stable condition in hospital.

🌐 Full story online. #Rovers 🔵⚪️

— Blackburn Rovers (@Rovers) January 24, 2022

Incredibly, Prichard started his 12-hour University Hospital of North Tees A&E shift at 8am the following morning, according to The Sun.

It is not the first time he has come to a football supporter’s aid during a match this season.

In October, Prichard was in the stands as a fan watching Newcastle take on Tottenham at St James’ Park when another supporter collapsed just rows from where he was sitting.

He rushed over to perform CPR on the man, which proved crucial in saving his life.

Prichard was given a standing ovation by the home support and said having St James’ Park chant for him was “one of the best moments of my life”.

The junior doctor told BBC Breakfast: “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."