University of Buckingham student saves fan at Chelsea match

Medical student Prince Tandukar was 21-years-old when he saw Chelsea supporter, Paul Archer, 66, collapse from a cardiac arrest.

His medical episode occurred during the Blues’ incredible 4-4 draw against reigning Premier League champions, Manchester City, at Stamford Bridge on November 12.

Nearly four months later, the two unified for the first time since the incident at Chelsea's Cobham Training Ground, where they met some of the club's first team players.

Recalling the incident, Prince, who is now 22, said, “It was a very eventful game with Chelsea neck and neck at halftime with a 2-2 score.

“I was pitch side by the barrier near the press pen when I heard panicked shouting and screaming.

“It was a mix of fans and security guards shouting for a medic and I realised someone needed urgent help so I ran up around 15 or so rows to where I could see a security guard waving.”

Paul Archer (centre) with his sons Nick (left) and Ben (right) at Chelsea's training ground in Cobham with three of the club's players (Image: PA)

“Mr Archer didn’t look well and was very red.

“I took his pulse and tried to stay calm, but it was very chaotic around me.

“I couldn’t find a pulse, so I tried for a pulse in his neck which is usually stronger, but nothing.

“Then the gasps stopped altogether, and he slumped forward.”

The student, who is now in his third year, made the call to get Mr Archer to a nearby first aid room where he could begin CPR.

Paul Archer (right) with Prince Tandukar at Chelsea's training ground in Cobham (Image: PA)

Remembering a stretcher on the back of a door in a small first aid room nearby, Prince told his St John volunteer colleague to radio to the control room for help, and keep Mr Archer’s legs elevated, while he ran to retrieve the stretcher.

He continued: “I had never done CPR for real, I was just a 21-year-old medical student, usually with seniors around me and suddenly it was just me and Mr Archer in the medical room.

“I was full of adrenalin and on my first compression, I heard a pop and knew I had cracked Mr Archer’s ribs.

“This didn’t deter me as I knew this could happen and for CPR to work, it needs to be forceful.

“It was a sign I was doing it correctly.

“I was doing CPR solidly for around eight minutes or so I think.

“I just went into the zone.

“There is so much tissue and muscle you lose some of the force when doing CPR, so it needs to be firm.”

Mr Archer, a retired businessman, said: “The biggest thing for me was to say thank you.

Paul Archer (centre) with his sons Nick (left) and Ben (right) at Chelsea's training ground in Cobham, Surrey (Image: PA)

“I love Chelsea and it was the icing on the cake to say thank you to the individuals who saved my life at the training ground.

“For Prince to reflect on his grandad while saving me, while he brought me back – just wow.

“It must’ve been scary and daunting, but he kept his cool. If we had 10,000 more Prince’s in our healthcare what a difference it would make.”