A decision that saved his life

Two weeks ago, what began as an entirely ordinary morning quickly became a life-threatening emergency.

“I had completed a 30-kilometre indoor cycling session, showered, got ready, had breakfast, and then began experiencing a deep pain high in my chest, along with sweating,” William said.

“At first, I wondered if it might be indigestion because I had just eaten, but the pain felt different. It was deep, unusual, and immediately set off alarm bells for me.”

CALLED EMERGENCY SERVICES

William made the decision to call emergency services immediately — a decision he now believes made all the difference.

“One of the first things the emergency operator asked me, after I described my symptoms, was my address. Knowing my Eircode was incredibly important because it helped the ambulance locate my home in Puckane quickly. That was something I had never really thought about before, but in an emergency, every minute matters.

“Another thing that struck me was that one of the very first questions I was asked was whether I had aspirin in the house. Despite having other medications and painkillers, I didn’t have any. That was a real learning point for me. The key message, though, is not to self-diagnose — it is to ring emergency services immediately and follow their instructions.”

When paramedics arrived, they carried out an ECG in the ambulance and quickly confirmed William was having a heart attack.

“That immediate diagnosis changed everything. The response became incredibly focused and professional from that point.”

TRANSPORTED TO HOSPITAL

William was transported rapidly by ambulance from his home in Puckane to University Hospital Limerick, where the Cath Lab Team, which includes consultant cardiologists, specialised nurses, and clinical physiologists, was already prepared and waiting.

“The speed of the entire response was extraordinary. From leaving my front door in Puckane in the ambulance to being in the Cath Lab in University Hospital Limerick, having the blocked artery identified, cleared, and a stent inserted, it was approximately 90 minutes. That speed made all the difference.”

The cardiac team quickly identified a 100% blockage in William’s obtuse marginal artery and restored blood flow immediately.

“The phrase I learned during all of this was ‘time is muscle’. The faster a blocked artery is reopened, the less permanent damage is done to the heart.”

In William’s case, speed proved critical.

“An echocardiogram the following day showed no measurable damage to my heart, which I now understand was essentially a best-case outcome.”

William, who is well known locally for his active lifestyle, said the experience was a sobering reminder that heart attacks can happen even to people who consider themselves fit and healthy.

“I cycle regularly, walk, hike, play golf, and generally keep active. Fitness may well have helped my recovery, but it certainly didn’t make me immune.”

PRAISE FOR HEALTH TEAM

He reserved particular praise for the emergency responders, paramedics, and staff at University Hospital Limerick.

“From the ambulance crew to the Cath Lab Team, the cardiac care unit, consultants, nurses, and support staff, the professionalism was extraordinary.

“We often hear criticism of the health service, but when I needed emergency cardiac care, the public system was absolutely exceptional. I experienced world-class care.”

ADVICE TO OTHERS

William’s message to others is simple. “Don’t ignore chest pain. Don’t sit on it hoping it will pass. Don’t worry about causing a fuss.

“If something feels wrong, act fast. That decision may save your life and your quality of life.”