I was descending a mountain bike trail when I noticed a peculiar ache in the centre of my chest. As a former specialist anaesthetist with a background in intensive care medicine, I instantly recognized the significance: I was having a heart attack halfway down a mountain, beyond the reach of an ambulance.
Getting Down the Mountain
Knowing my survival depended on reaching the car park, I coasted down the trail, gripped by central chest pain. When I finally reached my car, I called for an ambulance. Feeling increasingly unwell, I lay down beside my vehicle so paramedics could spot me easily. As I grew faint, I heard wheels skidding past as other bikers headed up the trails.
A Stranger's Assistance
Several cyclists passed without noticing me until a voice asked if I was okay. I explained I thought I was having a heart attack and that an ambulance was on its way. The stranger offered to wait with me, for which I am profoundly grateful. About 15 minutes later, the sirens grew closer, and another voice asked, 'Where do you live? We'll take your bike home for you.' I gave my address and was loaded into the ambulance.
Recovery and Gratitude
At the hospital, I received sedatives and later learned from the cardiologist that the blockage—a coronary thrombosis, often called a widow-maker—had been fixed. I was fortunate to survive. When I eventually returned home, my bike was parked against the wall outside the garage. The stranger, whose face I never saw, spent their Sunday morning ensuring its safe return.
A Simple Act of Kindness
Mountain bikes are not inexpensive; someone could have stolen it or simply not bothered. But this person saw my distress and, out of the goodness of their heart, went out of their way to help in a practical and selfless manner. I survived the event remarkably unscathed and still lead an active life. I have tried multiple times to track down this mysterious stranger through the local mountain biking community, without success. To that person: thank you. I would love to buy you a beer.
