Woman Who Loves Watching Real-Life Medical TV Shows Learns How to Save Husband From Two Heart Attacks

Greg Mackintosh, 50, had two successive heart attacks in his home in Aberdeenshire in Scotland but his wife, Michelle Birnie-Mackintosh, was instrumental in saving him because she instantly knew what was happening based on what she has seen from her favorite medical shows.

According to Daily Record, Michelle Birnie-Mackintosh loves watching real-life medical programs like "What's Your Emergency" and "24 Hours in A and E," which feature 999 emergency cases. So, when her husband complained about the tingling in his hands and the tightness in his chest, Michelle phoned 999 for an ambulance right away.

However, the emergency dispatch informed the couple, who are parents of four kids, that there were no ambulances available at that moment. They needed to wait for the service to free up.

Greg's Second Heart Attack

Michelle was partly aware of how she could make Greg comfortable. However, after 30 minutes, Greg had a second heart attack and Michelle knew, based on what she saw on TV, that he will need a defibrillator.

There was a defibrillator at the village pub but the wife could not leave to get it because it might be too late. Fortunately, a first responder finally arrived at their home. An ambulance happened to be passing by after responding to another emergency and was flagged down to help Greg. The ambulance had a defibrillator.

But it took a few more hours for Greg to be en route to the hospital because the ambulance had no trolley that would make the transport comfortable for the patient. Upon reaching the hospital, Greg suffered a third heart attack but the medical team was already there to take charge of the situation.

Michelle said it was the defibrillator in the ambulance that actually saved her husband. So, she is working to get two more of the equipment for their village's use. The mom has been raising funds to buy the machines, per the Daily Mirror.

Meanwhile, Greg spent two weeks in intensive care. Doctors inserted a balloon pump in his heart to help with the flow of blood. Greg also experienced episodes of delirium and doctors had to manage his sepsis, which was another risk to his life.

Despite this, the father survived despite doctors saying he had a two percent chance. The medical team acknowledged Michelle's quick thinking and presence but she said someone was likely looking out for her husband.

What To Do In Case of A Heart Attack

According to Mayo Clinic, a person could be suffering from a heart attack if the chest pain doesn't go away after 15 minutes. Some may have mild chest pain but the feeling of discomfort may be accompanied by nausea, jaw pain, or back pain. While some attacks may be sudden, others may experience the warning signs hours or days in advance.

In case of a heart attack, call 911 or your emergency service immediately. The person in pain should never drive himself to the hospital but should ask a friend or neighbor for assistance.

If the person is taking medication and was prescribed nitroglycerin, he should take this immediately as well. The defibrillator may be used if the person becomes unconscious.