A NURSE at a Reigate school saved the life of a pupil who collapsed on the football pitch on Friday.
Sue Phongsathorn, who works at Royal Alexandra and Albert School, was called to the Astroturf pitch after a child from a visiting team collapsed and stopped breathing.
She started CPR and, with help from PE teacher Mike Brown, used a defibrillator to restart the boy's heart.
Amid the drama, pupils from the Gatton Park school, who had been playing in the match, formed a shield around the boy to protect him from onlookers.
They also comforted distressed members of the visiting team.
Mr Brown said: "It was immediately clear there was a serious problem so I checked his airway but his breathing was erratic."
Paramedics arrived shortly afterwards and the child was taken to hospital for treatment. He is now making good progress.
Helen Pollard, school spokeswoman, said: "The paramedics were quite sure that the prompt action taken by Sue saved the child's life."
Ms Phongsathorn, who took a refresher course for using a defibrillator less than two weeks before the incident, said: "As a nurse you are never really off duty and I always feel that something might happen.
"I have been a nurse for nearly 40 years and I am sure this helped me keep calm during the emergency.
"I would like to thank my colleague Lee Morrissey for organising pupils, and all pupils present on the Astroturf who responded impeccably, but mainly Sue for keeping me calm.
"The Year 10 football team will be sending a team photo and a signed get well soon card to wish the boy all the best for a speedy recovery."
Headmaster Paul Spencer Ellis said: "We have had the defibrillator for a few months and this incident shows just how valuable it is.
"I would like to praise the staff who were involved, in particular Sue and Mike, for the way they handled a very difficult situation.
"I would also like to commend the actions of pupils who acted with great maturity in the way they supported the visiting team."
