The Widowmaker – Heart Attack

It was a Tuesday afternoon – I just left physical therapy – The onset is quick from 0-60 in just a few seconds. It’s like hitting nitrous from the starting line.

Life washed from your face in just seconds, the excruciating pain, the panic inside your head. Just needing some relief.

What is going on?  Deep down you know what is happening -You’ve seen this a hundred times before.

The voices of your spouse talking to 911 and in your head your screaming hurry up! Because you know if you panic, this life as you knew it would end. Trying to regulate your breathing while trying not to throw up. The sweat starting to roll across your forehead, oh the pain, the crushing pain that is radiating down your arm and into your jaw.

Waiting for the paramedics to show up with some nitro and a baby aspirin to hopefully provide some relief from the pain.  It doesn’t!

You’re alive but need to get to the hospital. Two big bore iv’s  placed to push the drugs and the morphine flowing through my veins not even touching the pain.

Full arrest, shocked, and a stint later – I have been granted a new lease on life.

Joe – Full-Time Fire Fighter Paramedic shares his experience of his Widowmaker Heart attack

To quote Sgt. Dave Parnell from the Detroit Fire Department ” I wish my mind could forget what my eyes have seen.” 

Artwork credits go to: https://www.dansungallery.com/