"My heart attack and subsequent care"

In mid-October, when working as part of an archaeology team at Killicrankie, after 2 hours of work, I reported medical difficulties; namely chest and left arm pain to one of my colleagues who fortunately for me had previous medical experience. She immediately contacted the emergency services and liaised with them to meet up at Killicrankie village centre. After only half an hour of my becoming ill I had been transported from field to the rendezvous point and as a result was being given lifesaving medical treatment for a heart attack by the ambulance team; one of which was Mr Burnett (paramedic).

I was taken directly to Ninewells Hospital, which took approximately an hour and a half. The whole time I was being worked on by Mr Burnett. Upon arrival at Ninewells I was taken straight to the operating theatre.

I was told later by Mr Burnett who kindly visited me in Intensive care, that when they picked me up I was an extremely ill individual and that he had relayed all necessary information and/all diagnosis to the Operating Theatre staff on route. As I result I was having lifesaving treatment upon minutes of reaching Ninewells Hospital.

I can at least remember Dr Mohammed and Dr Elder clearly talking me through the procedures of the operation on my heart as it progressed.

After the operation all the staff in the Intensive Care ward including my nurse Claire, were outstanding.

All staff including nursing and ancillary staff were friendly and helpful.

I suppose it could be construed as corny to mention the Hospital food, but in my opinion it was really good especially the soups.

After four days I was given all new and necessary medication from the hospital Pharmacy Department and was officially discharged.

Upon being discharged and at home I have found the Coronary Aftercare Service from Ninewells to be second to none.

I just want to thank everyone; from the archaeologists on the field who got me to the ambulance to the paramedics, and the surgeons and Operating Theatre staff who all played their part in ensuring I survived my heart attack. Their professionalism coupled with the aftercare from the Intensive Care staff and staff of Ward 1 ensured my continued survival.