On Aug. 15, I collapsed onto the kitchen floor with a complete heart block, since my intrinsic pacemaker had quit working. Were it not for my wife, who called 911, and the very capable paramedics from the Moore County EMS who attended to me, I would not be writing this letter today.

Paramedic Brandon Clewis very professionally analyzed my condition and used an external pacemaker to shock me and kept me alive until he and his partner, Carmen Bailey, got me to the hospital.

I will be forever grateful to this team for keeping me from dying. The staff in the emergency room acted quickly and secured Dr. Vassallo, who installed an external pacemaker. The following day, Dr. Landers installed an internal pacemaker.

Due to some problems with allergic reaction to medicines and developing blood clots in my lungs, I spent the better part of two weeks in the hospital. During that time I spent most of my time in CSU on the fourth floor. The following nurses took care of me and provided me with extraordinary care, and I am extremely grateful to them: Beth Hardtirn, Marie Hodges, Mary Ann Todd, Joy Tupac, Laura Mercer, Arron McIntyre,Tricia Underwood, Jessica Troust and Tifane Chambers.

I thank you all so very much.

Jim Crawford

Southern Pines