An off-duty London Ambulance Service paramedic has been hailed a hero after saving a fellow Tottenham Hotspur fan’s life on a train, leading to an emotional reunion with the patient’s grateful daughters.
Stefan Soler, a paramedic with the London Ambulance Service, was heading home from a match on December 19 when he heard desperate cries for help on the train. He discovered 68-year-old Keith Calnon from Rochester, Kent, slumped on a seat. Acting quickly, Mr. Soler, along with an off-duty police officer, assessed the situation and found Mr. Calnon in cardiac arrest.
Reflecting on the experience, Mr. Soler said: “It was a once-in-a-lifetime moment, especially given it led to such a good outcome for Keith and his family. It’s amazing to have this full-circle moment – I get to be the clinician for someone else. It’s a very emotional experience.”
The event was particularly meaningful for Mr. Soler, who became a paramedic after witnessing his grandfather survive a heart attack, thanks to swift action by ambulance crews.
Mr. Calnon’s daughters, Amy and Kathryn, met Mr. Soler and incident response officer Peter Fisher at the London Ambulance Service headquarters in Waterloo to express their gratitude. Mr. Calnon was unable to attend as he continues his recovery.
Amy said: “It is crazy to think how differently it might have ended. We’re so grateful to Stefan, the off-duty police officer, two off-duty nurses, and the other emergency responders who all helped save our dad’s life.”
Kathryn added: “This experience highlights how important it is for everyone to learn CPR. It’s a life-saving skill that could make all the difference.”
Peter Fisher emphasized the importance of timely intervention, saying, “This case highlights the chain of survival—early recognition, CPR, defibrillation, and advanced care. Keith’s case shows what is possible when CPR is started within seconds of cardiac arrest.”
The reunion was arranged after a post about the incident on a Tottenham Hotspur Facebook page was widely shared, eventually reaching Mr. Fisher, who facilitated the meeting.
Pauline Cranmer, Chief Paramedic at London Ambulance Service, praised Mr. Soler’s actions: “This incredible display of expertise and compassion shows that our paramedics are never truly off-duty. It also demonstrates the importance of learning CPR. Early intervention can double someone’s chances of survival.”
The London Ambulance Service encourages the public to take free online CPR training to be prepared to act in a life-threatening emergency.
