Canaries' heart attack fan praises those who saved him

DAVID BALE

26 January 2010

A Canaries' fan who had a heart attack at the game on Saturday has praised the fellow supporters who saved his life.

Keith Folkard, 50, who is recovering at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, said: "I don't believe we would be having this conversation if they had not been there."

The married insurance underwriter, who was sitting in the Jarrold stand, was taken ill just minutes after kick-off of the match against Brentford.

But two GPs and Simon Bowles, a cardiology specialist nurse from the N&N, were sitting nearby and rushed to his aid.

They carried out life support and used one of Carrow Road's automated electronic defibrillators, before an ambulance crew took Mr Folkard to hospital.

Saturday's drama comes only a month after another Norwich City fan had a heart attack at a game and made a good recovery after treatment at the N&N.

Mr Folkard said: "I'm extremely grateful for what they did and for all the care I have received in hospital since. I feel very humbled."

The patient's brother, Brian, from Upper Stoke, near Poringland, was also at the game, and both are season ticketholders, although Keith now lives near Southend.

Brian said: "Without the help he received at the ground I think we would have been attending his funeral. I cannot fault those guys at all."

Meanwhile, heart specialists at the N&N paid tribute to Norwich City FC's medical response set-up - a combined team provided at each home game between the East of England Ambulance Service Trust and the British Red Cross in liaison with the club to manage such incidents - and stressed the importance of automatic defibrillators in public places.

Mr Bowles said: "It makes a real difference having access to an automated electronic defibrillator and it gives you a fighting chance. The patient's now comfortable and on the road to recovery."

N&N consultant cardiologist Dr Liam Hughes, who was also at the game, has written to the club to praise its readiness for the emergencies.

A spokesman for the East of England Ambulance Service Trust commended its own crews and said it was "a great example of teamwork" that helped save this patient's life.

She added: "The spectator at the game in December made a good recovery as a result of the magnificent efforts by the club's medical response team which enabled the hospital to provide the necessary ongoing care."

Dozens of comments have also been posted on the www.pinkun.com website praising the work done.

One said: "The club should give the guy in green who performed the CPR for so long a free season ticket for his actions. From where I was sitting, he worked wonders."

Ü Have emergency services saved your life? Ring reporter David Bale on 01603 772427 or email david.bale2@archant.co.uk.