First aid trainer thanks team after heart attack
South East Coast Ambulance ServiceA Kent first aid instructor has thanked the paramedics who came to his aid when he had a heart attack.
Michael, from Ramsgate, called for an ambulance on 24 March after he had started experiencing restlessness and an aching jaw and teeth the evening before.
His decision revealed a hidden and life-threatening heart condition paramedics from South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb) were able to treat on the way to William Harvey Hospital.
Michael said: "Even though I teach first aid, the signs that I was having a heart attack really weren't obvious. Thank you really isn't enough."
Upon being called to Michael's house, dispatch team leader, Olivia, and her team - Tyler, Olivia and Jo - carried out an electrocardiogram (ECG) to confirm he was having a heart attack before taking him to the hospital.
After they supported him through a critical phase in the ambulance, Michael underwent emergency surgery to treat a blocked artery caused by an arterial dissection.
This occurs when a tear develops in the inner lining of an artery, allowing blood to separate the layers of the vessel wall.
He spent four days in hospital before returning home to continue his recovery,
He has since returned to Secamb's Thanet Make Ready Centre to thank the medical team.
Jo, a paramedic, said: "Heart attacks can present in unexpected ways, even for people with medical knowledge.
"We're incredibly pleased to see him doing so well and moments like this are why we do the job."
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