For me, June the 14th started like any other day. My son-in-law was visiting from Arizona and he is asleep in the loft. It's 7 a.m. and I roll out of bed and into the bathroom. Brush my teeth and wash my face.

On the way to the kitchen I greeted my great-grandson and proceeded to take my morning pills. You know, the older you get the more pills they put you on.I sat in the chair, took my meds and within 10 minutes had a crushing pain in my chest, the likes of which I never experienced in my life.I broke out into a sweat and knew the sign exactly. HEART ATTACK!We are drilled constantly in our lives to recognize the sickening signs. My son-in-law rushed down from the loft and immediately dialed 911.The Lehighton Ambulance arrived in what seemed like only minutes. The EMT team rushed in and immediately started to unpack the EKG and test equipment and transmitted data.While in extreme pain, I was overwhelmed with the efficiency and compassion of this team. I learned later that the team leader was a nurse by the name of Joanne.While constantly being monitored I was rushed out of the house onto a gurney and to the helipad at Blue Mountain Health System, where a helicopter was waiting for me with the rear doors open.The helicopter crew transferred me to their equipment and within minutes we were airborne and on our way to Lehigh Valley Hospital.On arrival the helicopter crew took me to the emergency room where a doctor and staff evaluated my condition. The doctor told me I was having a heart attack. When I asked him when, he told me right now!I was immediately rushed to the operating room where I learned later that I had a 100 percent blockage of the right carotid artery.As the doctor cleaned out the blockage I could feel the relief of pain leave my heart. There are a number of things that amaze me. I often wondered that in the case of an emergency could the Lehighton Ambulance Team reach me in time and would the net result be positive.I can tell you with an outstanding resolve the answer is yes! I met Joanne later that month and told her that "she saved my life." I never thought I would tell someone that but she did. As long as I live that team will always be a part of my life. Words cannot express how I feel. I am alive and feel great because of their care. I have had many tests over the years and there was no indication of this event.As you read this pay attention to what signs and symptoms you might have.It's not always indigestion.I don't smoke, watch my blood pressure and eat the right food, and go to church. It all helps. Once again today I owe my life to the Lehighton Ambulance and medevac crew. And I will always be grateful. That I am alive! Thank you!From the pen ofKen TregerLehighton