When trying to save a life, timing is everything and thanks to the quick actions of a South West paramedic crew ensured Vasse resident Joan Wingrove survived a stroke.
Ms Wingrove, 71, had a headache on a Wednesday night in November 2016, which was strange for her and it persevered into Thursday morning.
Her family were starting to get concerned about her when she suddenly collapsed. They immediately called for assistance.
Volunteer paramedics Jose Montalvo and Xavier Baird were members of the team send to assist Ms Wingrove and quickly realised she was having a stroke.
“That day was a real coincidence in many respects, as we had just been talking about stroke patients that morning and changes to our treatment plan,” Mr Montalvo said.
“We were on the scene for 14 minutes accessing Joan’s vital signs and rushed her straight to Bunbury Regional Hospital as a priority one patient.”
Once she arrived at Bunbury Regional Hospital, Ms Wingrove was flown to Perth by the RAC Rescue helicopter.
There she benefited from revolutionary new treatment plan that involves using a CT scan to swiftly diagnose the type of stroke a patient is having with manual surgery used to remove the blood clot.
“As little as a year ago, there would have been virtually no hope of a patient walking or talking again after a stroke like this,” Mr Baird said.
“But this treatment plan, which is being rolled out across the state, dramatically increases the chances of survival and recovery.”
Ms Wingrove and her family visited the St John Ambulance regional office in Bunbury on Friday to express their gratitude.
“I really could never thank them enough for saving my life,” she said.