"Life saving attention"

Ambulance into Royal Cornwall Hospital on a Sunday afternoon with breathing problems and chest pains. Blood, ECG etc all OK. Then mention of calf cramp prompted blood check for Clot possibility - came back positive. High probability of pulmonary embolism prompting Heparin injections. Return in the morning for Ct scan confirmed the diagnosis - very severe and life threatening.

All staff in emergency were very helpful despite it being a Sunday afternoon and consequently very busy. On the Monday the SDMA and Acute GP staff were equally as polite and helpful as emergency. The imaging staff were very efficient and courteous. The only comment I could make is that the new ambulances have a very hard suspension and ride.

A DVT resulting in the embolisms was probably not from a long haul flight since the last one was ten months before. However, a more recent right calf injury from a runaway luggage cart could have resulted in the DVT. A further CT scan is planned to check for any other possible explanations.

Full marks to Royal Cornwall and all the staff.