William Booth

Heart Attack Survivor William Booth Thanks Blake Team and EMS Personnel for Saving His Life

Just over a month after surviving a near-fatal heart attack, 73-year-old William Booth took a moment during his recovery to express his gratitude to the interventional cardiologist, cardiovascular cath lab team, Blake nursing staff and the EMS personnel who played critical roles in saving his life and supporting his recovery.

The life-threatening event occurred early on December 6, as Booth was making his morning coffee. He felt a sudden and unusual sensation in his chest. “I knew something was wrong," Booth recalled. "My medical knowledge told me exactly what was happening. I yelled down the hall to my wife, Stef, to call 911."

Within minutes, a Manatee County EMS team arrived at his home. As Booth lost consciousness, the team acted swiftly, administering six shocks to stabilize him before transporting him to HCA Florida Blake Hospital, where the cardiac team was prepared to intervene.

Upon arrival at Blake, Dr. Iftekhar Baig immediately took action. Booth was rushed into emergency surgery, that ultimately saved his life. “At Blake, we are always prepared to respond with urgency in cardiac emergencies,” said Dr. Baig. “Every second counts, and our team is ready 24/7 to perform life-saving interventions when patients need us most.”

As Booth reflected on his experience, he expressed deep appreciation for the hospital’s staff, choking up as he said, "They listened, they were caring, they were concerned. They wanted to know my story, they wanted to make sure I was healthy."

During an emotional reunion, Booth shared his gratitude with those who saved him. "Each one of these people, as I squeezed their hands, there was no insincerity," he said. "These guys weren't just doing their job. They were superior at it. Minutes saved my life — not hours. If they hadn't been there or done their job so proficiently, you wouldn't be taking these pictures."

For William Thayer, a paramedic on the scene with nearly three decades of EMS experience, the reunion was especially moving. "Just seeing him walk in here, so full of life, because of what we did — it's really touching," Thayer said. "This makes my career worth it. In 29 years, this is only the third time someone has come back to say thank you."

From the rapid response of EMS to the skilled hands of Blake’s medical team, Booth’s story is a powerful testament to the life-saving impact of quick intervention, expert care and seamless teamwork between EMS and Blake Hospital.