A Birmingham City supporter has met the medical team who saved his life after he had a cardiac arrest at an away game at Crawley Town. Steve Poulter, 67, collapsed at Broadfield Stadium on December 23, 2024, causing a delay to the match start while he received urgent treatment.

The event medical team from Revive Medical Solutions and paramedics from the South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) performed CPR and used a defibrillator to revive him. He was then transported to Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton, where he recovered for 19 days. Over a year and a half later, Steve met the clinicians who assisted him, including SECAmb staff Laini Marshall, Matthew Dale, Daisy Burrows, and Jack Nelson, along with Revive Medical Solutions personnel Cerys Davies, Gary Spray, and Kayne Loft.

"I'm incredibly grateful to everyone who helped me that day," Steve Poulter said. "Without their quick actions I wouldn't be here."

His wife Judy was at home in Birmingham when the incident happened. She has since learned CPR through programs backed by Birmingham City Football Club. "It was a terrifying time not knowing whether Steve would be okay," Judy Poulter said. "To now have him back home with us is incredible and we're so grateful to everyone who helped save his life."

Community response praised

SECAmb critical care paramedic Laini Marshall emphasized the importance of a fast response. Matthew Dale, a HART team operative, commended the rapid actions of Crawley Town's stewards and events team in making space for medics to work. After the match, which Birmingham won 1-0, then-Crawley Town manager Rob Elliot thanked the medical staff for their work.

The club's backing for CPR training programs has given Steve's family practical skills. His daughter Johanna, an intensive care nurse, has also urged others to learn the life-saving technique.

While the focus is rightly on this positive outcome, the Blues continue their Championship campaign. The team currently sits 10th in the table with 10 points from seven games, a record of two wins, four draws and one loss. Their recent form includes a 2-1 comeback victory at Derby County, with goals from Carlos Vicente and Paik Seung-Ho. That win sets them up for a tough home fixture against third-placed Middlesbrough on September 19. Patrick Roberts remains sidelined, with the full squad list available on our squad page.

Further reading: SussexWorld