After calling 111 on the 20 February 2025 with severe back pain and breathing difficulties, I was advised to go to A&E, I was throwing up and passed out in reception and was rushed through.
Dr. Dave Ridley was on duty at the hospital in his Consultant capacity, but also mentioned he was a volunteer with EMICS. He was amazing ruling out Covid, blood clots etc and was on the verge of putting me out to intubate as he couldn’t get enough oxygen into me.
I held his hand and begged him not to put me out as I have 2 small children. He had one more thing to try. Whatever it was, it worked.
He told me the following day that I was so close to a cardiac arrest.
After scans and tests it was found that I had severe double pneumonia. I was in ICU for a few days on various drips and high flow oxygen and then moved onto a ward. I was so poorly.
Not only was Dr. Ridley brilliant medically, but the compassion he had for my husband and myself was amazing.
I am a fit and healthy 40 year old, career driven Mum of 2. It was a complete shock, but I am happy to say that recovery is going really well.
