Meet the great guys who saved my life

Feb 28 2008 by Sian Watts, Rhymney Valley Express

A HEART attack victim has paid tribute to the quick thinking and actions of the paramedics who saved his life.

Courteney Heydon was driving to work when he fell ill and had to return to his home in Paxton Close, Penpedairheol.

The father-of-three, aged 55, had called his wife, Susan after becoming very hot and sweating on the journey even though it was only about two degrees outside.

Mr Heydon was tended to by a neighbour, off-duty paramedic, Barry Williams who had been alerted by Susan Heydon.

Mrs Heydon had also phoned 999 and a second paramedic, Phil Jenkins, arrived quickly in a Rapid Response Vehicle.

The civil engineering site agent was given an injection to bust the blood clots that was causing his heart attack.

Mr Heydon, who is now well on the way to recovery at home, said: “The fact that I'm here at all is down to Phil and Barry. They were brilliant.

“They talked to me and reassured me because it was a frightening thing. I'm not the sort of person to be ill.”

Phil Jenkins who, like all paramedics in Wales is trained in the use of the clot-busting drug, administered the injection, and he said: “Swift treatment makes all the difference.

“If you can treat the patient within that first 60 minutes, the golden hour, it can be crucial.”

Mr Heydon was taken to Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil where, despite feeling fine, he suffered a further attack and was transferred to the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff for an immediate operation.

Mr Heydon said: “I've spoken to the specialist and he said I've had minimal scarring of the heart.

“I feel great now. I can't drive yet but I feel wonderful and I'm so grateful to everyone who looked after me.”

Phil Jenkins, aged 44, who also lives in Penpedairheol, said: “The thrombolysing injection is probably the most amazing drug we give.

“Patients can go from thinking they're going to die to having a nice chat.

“And it's life changing. It's the difference between spending the rest of your life as an invalid and being back in work in a few months and that's a whole new ball game.”