I am very fortunate to be alive thanks to your wonderful team. I cheated death with their assistance.

I started with sudden onset, severe abdominal pain that radiated to my back. I became diaphoretic, which prompted me to call 911 for Green Township Fire/EMS. The paramedic unit transported me to The Christ Hospital. Now, if this sounds like most familiar stories you receive, mine is a little bit different.

I am no longer active as a paramedic, but I train hundreds of individuals every year in the EMS, nursing and allied health fields. So when I was wheeled into Room 1 in the emergency department, I was all eyes and ears, even as my eight-centimeter aneurysm was rupturing. I would appreciate some recognition for Amy Gallagher, who I think did a phenomenal job. Scott Longevin, D.O., was the emergency room physician. His direction and foresight got me to the operating room for the gifted and skilled hands of Todd Bayer, M.D., who saved my life.

My care in the CVICU was nothing short of extraordinary. The nursing staff should be commended for their outstanding care, all while putting up with a cranky patient who quizzed them daily about biphasic defibrillators. You have a tremendous team working for you. Everyone was professional and caring to the utmost degree.

When people ask me, “How are you?”, my response is: “For the Grace of God go I.” I’m adding to it with the words, “…and Christ Hospital.”

Shelby L. Louden, EMT-P; EMSI