Alan says thank you to emergency services

What started out as a visit for coffee with best mate Peter Ramsey and his wife Gael turned into a near-death experience for Mangawhai man Alan Kemp recently.

Suddenly feeling unwell, Alan reassured Peter he was okay, but Peter’s instincts knew better and he called an ambulance.

“From his description of my symptoms they immediately called on the Northland Rescue Helicopter and within a very short time all the services including the local fire crew were on the scene,” explains Alan.

The helicopter was able to land right next to the house making it an easy load. Had this not happened so quickly he would not be here to tell this story.

“I was given a 20-30 per cent chance of surviving if I had another seizure and their immediate response helped prevent this.”

Local JP John Phillis was surprised to find a helicopter flying low overhead while he was cutting the lawn next door and jumped the fence to see if he could be of help only to find that the patient was known to him.

After a stay in the Whangarei Hospital stroke ward Alan was transferred to Auckland Hospital for a successful procedure to repair a brain bleed.

“I am very thankful to all the folk who acted so quickly and professionally when my life was in their hands.”

A quick transfer into the helicopter probably saved his life, Alan was told later.

Peter Ramsey (left) catches up with lucky mate Alan Kemp.