"Excelled in medical and emotional support"

I recently had a heart attack at home. My partner drove me to SWAH and there was an ambulance parked up at the A&E when we arrived. The two paramedics with the ambulance immediately provided support, fetching a wheelchair as I was unable to stand. They took me into the hospital, did an assessment and brought me a drink of soluble aspirin. They ensured that I was immediately assessed and seen by the doctor on duty and their knowledge and professionalism was key to my prompt treatment and recovery.

After initial treatment at SWAH, I was then transferred in an emergency ambulance to the cardiac department at Altnagelvin Hospital for an angioplasty. There were two paramedics on duty in this ambulance and one who was, I think, a trainee or work-shadowing. I was in considerable distress and discomfort at the time due to my ongoing heart incident and once again the paramedics on duty excelled in the medical and emotional support that they provided me on what was quite a long journey between hospitals. I can't stress enough how grateful to them all I am for getting me through that journey and I hope that there is some way to identify them from this so that my thanks can be passed on and so that the exemplary levels of care they provided can be recognised by their line managers.

Finally, I was transferred by ambulance back from Altnagelvin to the cardiac ward at SWAH. Although this was not an emergency transport and I believe that the ambulance was a contracted out service, again the two paramedics who were responsible for my journey provided exemplary support and are a credit to the ambulance service and their employers.

I have written to the hospitals to express my gratitude at the care I received but I was unsure where to write regarding the care and support I received from the various paramedics involved in my heart attack and treatment. I sincerely hope that there is a way to identify and thank all those paramedics working for the NI Ambulance Service who contributed so much to my recovery.

Many thanks again to all concerned.