GOALKEEPER Samuel Fossey has gone from shot-saver to lifesaver… by rescuing a player who had a heart attack on the pitch.
The Frenchman was playing for lower-league side US Oisseau on Saturday when an opponent collapsed after half-time.
The unnamed AS Requeil player had gone into cardiac arrest.
However, Fossey used his training as a firefighter to keep the 40-year-old alive.
A plumber by trade, he used heart massage and a defibrillator on the opposing player until an ambulance arrived.
Fossey insisted: “I don’t think of myself as a hero. I just acted like a good citizen, and did my duty.
“We were playing a friendly match. I was keeping my eye on the ball when I heard my coach telling the ref a player was on the ground.
“I soon realised the player was ill, as he had not been in any collision.
“I joined the fire brigade in 2013, spent a few years with them and later rejoined them as a volunteer fireman.
“They provide training courses, and I do refreshers every year at their rescue centre.”
A witness added: “Everyone saw straight away it was a serious situation.
“An Oisseau player quickly offered first aid, together with three people from the medical world who were in the stadium.
“They carried out heart massage and used a defibrillator for 20 minutes.
“Their quick reactions and involvement saved the player’s life – there’s no doubt about it.”
The stricken player’s condition has since stabilised in a Le Mans hospital.
Oisseau president Quentin Cesse said: “Everyone at the club wishes him a speedy recovery.
“ Football is a big family, and the amateur game has once again shown its solidarity.”
