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Care Opinion

I had a heart attack whilst out kayaking

Posted By Kayaker in need

"I had a heart attack whilst out kayaking"

About: Altnagelvin Area Hospital / Cardiology Cardiology / Coronary Care Unit Northern Ireland Ambulance Service / Emergency ambulance response

(as the patient),

I had a heart attack whilst out kayaking within the Western Trust area of Northern Ireland. I was treated by local first responders then the ambulance service with support from the fire brigade. I was subsequently taken to Altnagalvin Hospital and treated by the Cath-Lab and CCU. 

I just wanted to pass on a massive word of thanks to all the care givers that I was blessed enough to meet that day. My family and I are genuinely overwhelmed by the selfless generosity, professionalism and outstanding care we received for everyone involved in my care.

To Paul - my Good Samaritan - and his family who help a stranger out in his moment of need. I’ll be forever in your debt.

To Pauline and Mark, the first responders, your calm, efficient approach enabled me to relax, at least a little bit! 😜 I send you both a heartfelt thank you.

To the firemen that helped get me to the ambulance, what an effort. I’m sure that hill didn’t make the lift much fun, sorry. I’m truly grateful for your efforts.

To the paramedics, Niall and Chloe, who attended me - I certainly didn’t make it easy for you in terms of location or the nature of my symptoms but you both got me to the hospital and ensured that I was able to get the speedy intervention, again I’m truly grateful for everything you did.

To Mark and the nurses in resus, you were able to reassure me and worked to quickly get me the help I needed - thank you all.

To everyone in the Cath Lab, sorry to have spoiled your Sunday night with your families, but my family and I owe you all a debt of gratitude we can never repay.

To all the staff in CCU, for the stellar care that you gave me in recovery, thank you.

Whilst I would rather not have had to met you all in early March, I’ll be forever indebted that in my hour of need I was so ably attended to by such an outstanding group.

My total and heartfelt thanks to you all.

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Responses

Response from Demi McKay, Personal Public Involvement & Patient Experience, Quality & Safety Improvement, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service nearly 2 years ago
Demi McKay
Personal Public Involvement & Patient Experience, Quality & Safety Improvement,
Northern Ireland Ambulance Service

work with service users of NIAS, chair of stakeholder forum events

Submitted on 21/04/2022 at 12:29
Published on Care Opinion at 13:16

picture of Demi McKay

Hi Kayaker in need

Thank you for taking the time to share such a comprehensive story and your positive experience with all departments and clinicians mentioned in your feedback.

It very much sounds like you had a frightening ordeal and found yourself in what was a vulnerable situation that required help and care from many people. For which you have nicely captured by each of their names. It is always reassuring during a traumatic incident to have the correct knowledge and skills present.

Our staff work tirelessly often during very difficult and tense conditions so compliments like this are always warmly received in recognition of the role they play. There is often times when incidents occur in rural areas and require additional support from our volunteers within the first responder team. It is really heartwarming to hear the combined effort that was involved in getting the right response with the right care in the right time to you.

I would very much like to share your glowing compliments with first responders; Pauline and Mark and paramedics; Niall and Chloe who attended to you. For me to do this I will require a few extra details. If you would be prepared to discuss further please contact me on hr.temp7@nias.hscni.net

I hope you are feeling a great deal better and enjoy a full and rapid recovery.

Many thanks again for sharing your story,

Demi

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Response from Janet Butcher, Sister Cardiology Assessment Hub, Acute Services. Cardiology Altnagelvin Hospital, WHSCT nearly 2 years ago
Janet Butcher
Sister Cardiology Assessment Hub, Acute Services. Cardiology Altnagelvin Hospital,
WHSCT

Submitted on 22/04/2022 at 18:38
Published on Care Opinion at 18:38

Dear kyaker in need,

I am responding to your lovely feedback on behalf of the ward manager of CCU. We are so delighted to hear you are doing well and back enjoying family time. It is so kind of you to take time and give feedback and to remember all the people and organizations who helped you when you needed it the most.

I am so glad you had a great experience at a very vulnerable and scary time in your life. I hope you continue to recover well.

I will share all your feedback with the staff of CCU.

Thanks,

Janet

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