Tracy Heilig recently went on a daily wound care visit when her patient began complaining of SOB, pain down her arm, and heartburn. The patient had been experiencing these symptoms all weekend and refused to go to the hospital. Recognizing the risks, Tracy had a serious conversation with the patient and explained that these may be signs of a heart attack and insisted she go to the ER. With reluctance, the patient was finally persuaded to go.

As Tracy suspected, the hospital confirmed that the patient was experiencing a heart attack. The patient had a cardiac catheterization where a stent was placed and will have a second stent placed next week. Without Tracy’s swift action and persuasion, the patient may not have arrived at the hospital in time to receive proper treatment.

Per the patient, “Tracy saved my life; her caring heart and persistence were the only things that made me go.”