Heart attack survivor’s message

A heart attack survivor has spoken out about the importance of seeking medical attention in an emergency situation despite the coronavirus outbreak. Chris West, known to many as the organiser of Classic Music and Motor shows, is making the plea after an almost 50% drop in the number of people attending east Kent hospitals with cardiac symptoms.

He has credited both ambulance and hospital staff for saving his life, and wants to promote the safety precautions being taken.

He said: “The message I want to get over is the normal work is still going on with the NHS. I received excellent care. “These people in the NHS are saving lives – not only for coronavirus victims but for everyone.

“If it wasn’t for Ben the paramedic and the driver, a young lady called Charlene, who drove like Lewis Hamilton, I might not still be there.

“I can’t thank everyone enough who was involved in saving my life.”

Mr West, from Deal, started experiencing pain in his arms after returning from a six-mile bike ride. His wife dialled 111 for medical advice and an ambulance was despatched. After tests, crews took him to the QEQM Hospital in Margate, where another test revealed he was suffering a heart attack. He was transferred to the William Harvey Hospital for life-saving PPCI treatment to insert a tube to unblock the arteries leading to his heart. He spent three days on a ward. Mr West said: “I would say don’t be worried about going to hospital. They are there for you just like always.”