Shaunna Farley – Tuesday 24th June 2025 – 8am.
A grateful heart attack survivor has been reunited with the ambulance crew who saved his life, just weeks after their intervention helped him get the urgent care he needed.
Farshid Shafie was at home when he developed sudden onset chest pain which radiated down his left arm. Recognising the worrying signs of a heart attack, his son quickly called 999 to arrange emergency help for his father.
A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is suddenly blocked and if not treated quickly, can cause serious damage or even death.
When the call came in, Paramedic, Grace Field and Technician, Bethany Merrick from Dudley Hub quickly put their skills into action. They quickly assessed Farshid and identified the signs of a heart attack, and began life-saving treatment while rushing him to Russell’s Hall Hospital.
Just over a month later, Farshid was reunited with the life-saving crew at Dudley Hub on Wednesday. The emotional reunion was a chance to express his gratitude to the team who helped him.
Sincerely, Farshid shared: “Thanks to their skill, professionalism, and compassion, I’m here today and recovering well. I cannot fully express how grateful I am for everything they did for me.
“They not only saved my life, but they also brought comfort and reassurance during one of the most frightening experiences I’ve ever faced.”
Grace said: “It was lovely to see Farshid again under much better circumstances, and to see him doing so well in his recovery. He told us how he is back swimming and driving, contributing to him feeling back to his normal self.
“Having the opportunity to meet with Farshid and his wife was amazing and allowed us to step back from a clinical perspective to see the difference we had made in his life.”
Beth said: “To be able to do our job and provide the treatment and care that Farshid needed is exactly why I am training to become a paramedic.
“It’s a pleasure to have played a part in helping Farshid get the medical attention he needed. Seeing him and his wife happy and well today is incredible, and I truly wish him the best in his continued recovery.”
ENDS.
Notes to Editors
WMAS continue to urge the public to recognise the signs of a heart attack and call 999 immediately if they suspect someone is experiencing one. Early intervention can save lives.
What is a heart attack?
A heart attack (myocardial infarction or MI) is a serious medical emergency in which the supply of blood to the heart is suddenly blocked, usually by a blood clot. Symptoms of a heart attack include, but are not limited to, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness and sweating. Call 999 if you think someone is having a heart attack. A lack of blood to the heart may seriously damage the heart muscle and can be life threatening.
How is it different from a cardiac arrest?
It’s important to note that a heart attack is different from cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating, while a heart attack is a blockage of blood flow. A heart attack can, however, lead to cardiac arrest if not treated.