Visiting fan's life saved by quick-thinking bystanders after he suffers heart attack at Stourbridge FC

People including two fans who are serving paramedics sprang into action when Matlock Town historian and statistician Mick Thorpe suffered a heart attack on entering the ground before the FA Trophy game between the two teams on Saturday.

Mr Thorpe had to be resuscitated twice by the defibrillator, stationed in front of the social club at the War Memorial Ground.

Former Stourbridge first team physiotherapist Richard Drewett, members of the team's medical staff and Matlock Town director Kristen Duffy were on the scene in seconds, along with two off duty paramedics from West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) Laura and Vicky Taylor who were there to watch the game.

The Midlands Air Ambulance attended along with two land ambulances and Mr Thorpe was revived before being taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham and later released – he is now recovering at his home in Matlock.

WMAS Community Response Manager Cliff Medlicott said: “Defibrillators are a fundamental part of restarting a heart that is in cardiac arrest.

"For every minute CPR and defibrillation is delayed, the chances of survival reduces by ten per cent and having the kit available and ready to use in the community greatly increases a patient's chance of survival.

"In this situation, our two off-duty paramedics, that just so happened to be attending the match, did a superb job.

"Their swift actions, along with the staff at Stourbridge and Matlock undoubtedly increased the chances of survival for this patient.”

Mark Duffy, the press officer of Matlock Town thanked everyone who helped out and said the presence of the defibrillator, and staff and volunteers who were trained in medical techniques was vital.

He said: "They were able to take control quickly and knew what to do but also the defibrillator which was used on Mick twice undoubtedly went a long way to saving his life so we are grateful it was there and to everyone for their response.

“We wish Mick a speedy recovery and hope to see him back at Matlock very soon.”

Stourbridge chairman Andy Pountney said they had the defibrillator installed a number of years ago and praised the club's staff, the off duty paramedics and the Matlock director who helped out.

He said: "The combination of their actions and the kit which we had installed for the very eventuality which came about prevented a possible death and the response was typical of the spirit of non league where generally everyone looks out for each other, no matter what their club allegiances are.

"All at Stourbridge wish Mick a very speedy recovery."