Off-Duty Paramedic Saves Spurs Fan’s Life on Train
An off-duty London Ambulance Service paramedic has been hailed a hero after saving a fellow Tottenham Hotspur fan’s life during a train journey. The dramatic rescue led to a heartfelt reunion with the patient’s grateful daughters.
Quick-Thinking Saves Cardiac Arrest Victim
Stefan Soler, a paramedic, was travelling home from a Spurs match on December 19 when he heard cries for help. He found 68-year-old Keith Calnon from Rochester, Kent, slumped unconscious on a seat. Alongside an off-duty police officer, Stefan discovered Keith was in cardiac arrest.
Stefan sprang into action. He laid Keith on the floor, started CPR, and directed passengers to help. Someone called an ambulance, another notified platform staff to halt the train, and a defibrillator was fetched from the station.
After two shocks from the defibrillator, Keith regained consciousness – though still confused. Emergency crews arrived moments later at Tottenham Hale station and rushed Keith to hospital for heart surgery. He is now recovering.
Emotional Reunion with Family
Stefan described the event as “a once-in-a-lifetime moment” and an “emotional experience” to be the life-saving clinician for someone. His own journey to becoming a paramedic was inspired by his grandfather’s survival of a heart attack thanks to swift ambulance care.
Keith’s daughters, Amy and Kathryn, met Stefan and incident officer Peter Fisher at London Ambulance Service HQ in Waterloo to say thanks. Keith was still recovering and couldn’t attend.
Amy said: “It’s crazy to think how different things could have ended. We’re so grateful to Stefan, the off-duty police officer, two nurses and the other emergency responders who saved our dad’s life.”
Kathryn added: “This shows why everyone should learn CPR. It’s a skill that can truly save lives.”
Heroes Praise Public CPR Training
Peter Fisher, who helped coordinate the response, said: “This case shows the chain of survival — early recognition, CPR, defibrillation, and advanced care. Starting CPR within seconds can save lives.”
Pauline Cranmer, Chief Paramedic at London Ambulance Service, praised Stefan’s “incredible expertise and compassion,” highlighting that paramedics are never really off-duty. She urged the public to learn CPR, saying early intervention doubles survival chances.
The reunion was arranged after a widely shared Tottenham Hotspur Facebook post caught the attention of emergency staff.
London Ambulance Service encourages everyone to take free online CPR training and be ready to act when seconds count.
