Ballito resident Colin Foster writes:

On the calm, sunny morning of May 22, I was taking my usual 30-minute walk along the Ballito promenade when, after about 20 minutes, I suddenly felt light-headed. I stopped to catch my breath, but moments later I blacked out and fell down an 18-step staircase onto the beach.

When I regained consciousness, a passing nurse, Noeleen Travers, was already assisting me and IPSS Medical Rescue paramedic Keith Pillay had just arrived. My injuries from the fall were relatively minor, but my heart rate had soared to more than 200 beats per minute, placing me in a life-threatening situation.

With the support of Advanced Life Support paramedics Thinus Stander and Tristyn Summerton, medic Khetha Mthethwa, municipal lifeguard Linda Hlophe and UIP promenade patrol officer Kuhle Gcabashe, I was rushed to eThekwini Heart Hospital. During the journey, I required two emergency electrical shocks before my heart rhythm was restored.

I spent five days in ICU, underwent surgery to repair my ear and had an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) fitted. Despite bruising from the fall, I am now recovering well at home.

For a short time, I was on the wrong side of life. Without the swift, professional and compassionate response of the IPSS Medical Rescue team and everyone who came to my aid, I would not be here today.

I would like to place on record my heartfelt gratitude to every person who helped save my life. Ballito is incredibly fortunate to have such dedicated emergency responders serving our community.