Don’t wait; call 911

Dear editor:

I would like to compliment our 911 system, our EMTs and the staff at National Park. Nine years ago my husband had heart attack symptoms, so he chewed the recommended four baby aspirin and I drove him to Mercy Hospital. He had successful bypass surgery, and we were told we did everything right except that I should have called an ambulance to provide faster assistance.

Fast forward to Thursday, 10/11, when he again experienced chest pain at 6:30 a.m. He again chewed the four baby aspirin as I quickly dressed to take him to the hospital. I was remembering “Call 911.” This time I made that call and was very impressed with the professionalism and quick response of the two men who handled my call. The ambulance arrived within 10 minutes, and the EMTs (I believe they were Josh and Craig) were reassuring, professional and able to relieve his pain almost immediately.

The new emergency facility and heart center at National Park were impressive. He was admitted, and we spent two days in the hospital while he received stents. The staff was extremely polite, knowledgeable and efficient. I especially want to thank his nurse Sherry on MED II and his cardiologist, Dr. Tauth.

My point for this letter is to strongly suggest that you call 911. Do not attempt driving the patient yourself no matter how close you live. It could save their lives.

We are so fortunate to have two great hospitals in this small town, wonderful EMTs and cardiac specialists. Nancy Hutts Hot Springs