Sheffield pitch-collapse player Ryan Zon saved by opposition Published duration 8 May 2013

image caption Ryan Zon said he wanted to meet junior doctor Tim Sandels to thank him

A footballer who collapsed during a game and was revived by the opposition team of medics has been reunited with a player who saved him.

Ryan Zon's team Swallownest Miners Welfare Reserves was playing Sheffield Medics FC last month when he suffered a cardiac arrest and stopped breathing.

Junior doctor Tim Sandels was one of the opposition players who performed CPR on the 19-year-old on the pitch.

Mr Zon said: "I've been asking to see him so I could thank him."

Mr Sandels, along with another medic from the team, worked to revive the teenager for up to 15 minutes until the ambulance arrived at the Warminster Road pitch in Norton.

He said: "Once we realised he didn't have a pulse we started CPR and thankfully we were able to give him a chance until the ambulance got there."

'Looking great'

Hospital tests revealed Mr Zon was born with a previously undiagnosed heart defect and will have to undergo surgery.

The teenager was reunited with the life-saving doctor at Sheffield's Northern General Hospital, where he is being treated.

Mr Zon, who was in a coma for three days following his collapse, said: "If they hadn't been there it would have been totally different. I wouldn't be where I am now.

"I wanted to thank those that saved me. They don't get enough credit for what they do."

Mr Sandels added: "It's great to see him finally.