To the editor:

My hat is off and my heartfelt thanks are due to our wonderful fire and ambulance personnel. The same is true for the emergency staff at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. They do a fabulous job with too little recognition and thanks.

On July 5, my husband had a heart attack. I called 911 and began CPR. The firefighters from Station Three arrived four minutes later and took over. A Lawrence police officer arrived next and assisted with emergency efforts. The ambulance crew from Station Four followed. They all worked quickly, professionally and collaboratively. They were able to turn an ending into a beginning.

When he was stable enough to transport, the emergency team at LMH took over. The ER physician and the cardiologist made some skilled and difficult decisions under the circumstances. The air ambulance arrived promptly. The pilot called me from the helicopter to say they had landed safely in Kansas City as we were still driving.

Many people working together saved his life that night. I am indebted to all of them. My thanks to the caring professionals who did their jobs so well that night. I salute each of you!

Terry S. Tuckwin,

Lawrence