The whistle blew, but the game wasn’t over. Not for Samuel Fossey, anyway. He’s the goalkeeper for Oisseau-le-Petit, an amateur team in France. Last Saturday, during a friendly match, he didn’t just save shots; he saved a life. An opposing player from AS Requeil collapsed on the field, suddenly falling into cardiac arrest. It was a terrifying moment that quickly turned a regular soccer game into a desperate fight for survival.
Fossey, a volunteer firefighter when he’s not between the posts, didn’t hesitate. He heard his coach shouting, pointing to a player on the ground. The ball was far away, and there had been no contact. Fossey knew immediately this was serious. When he reached the player, the situation was grim. “There was no breathing, no pulse,” Fossey later explained on ‘RMC Sport’. “His face was turning blue.” It was a critical situation that called for immediate action.
Without a second thought, Fossey began chest compressions. He was joined quickly by a neighbor, who happened to be a mountain rescuer, offering crucial help. Someone swiftly brought a defibrillator to the field. This quick action was key. With the device’s aid, the collapsed player’s pulse eventually returned. It was a huge relief for everyone watching the unfolding drama.
Fossey doesn’t see himself as a hero. “I won’t say it’s a heroic act; it’s a civic act, a duty,” he stated simply. He joined the fire department in 2013, then took a break, and later returned as a volunteer firefighter. When he’s not busy with firefighting, he works as a plumber. His training, which includes annual refresher courses and regular practice at emergency centers, prepared him for this exact moment.
The player, who is 40 years old, was rushed to the Hospital de Le Mans by emergency services. His girlfriend later told a local newspaper how critical the situation had been. “He was in cardiac arrest for 10 minutes,” she shared. “Cardiologists told us that without the chest compressions on the field, he wouldn’t be with us.” Her words painted a clear picture of the life-saving impact of Fossey’s actions.
Nicolas Mauger, the president of US Requeil, called the incident “a miracle.” He expressed deep gratitude to everyone involved in the initial rescue efforts. “Thanks to the players who participated in the first aid,” Mauger said. “Thanks to the Oisseau club and its president.” It was a moment that brought two competing teams together in a shared emergency.
Fossey pointed out how vital it was that a defibrillator was available close to the stadium. He strongly believes that all players and coaches should receive first aid training. His experience serves as a powerful reminder of how important basic medical knowledge and quick access to equipment can be, both on and off the sports field.