To the editor:

Two weeks ago my husband had a major heart attack. One hundred percent blockage to forty percent of his heart. But we live in Seattle, and today he is walking up the steep hills by our house and out running errands. Had he been anywhere else he well might not be alive today.

Thanks to the quick action of the crew at Station 11 on SW Holden, Seattle's amazing Medic One program, the team that transported and treated him, and the cardiac "wizards" at Swedish Cherry Hill, he is going to be just fine.

Medics had him there quickly diagnosing and treating on the way and the cardiac team met them at the emergency bay door. Within 18 minutes of the time the gurney wheels hit the ground they had two stints placed and the blood flowing again. Because of the short time frame, any damage should be minimal.

Thank you to all of Seattle's fire fighters, Medic One crews, Dr. Lewis' team at Cherry Hill, and of course all the Seattle voters who support the Medic One program. It really is true, if you're going to have a heart attack, you'd better hope you have it in Seattle!

Midge Batt
West Seattle