Lost my friend today.

[Big Rich]

I lost a friend today. Eric was a Firefighter and Paramedic in my city. Before he joined the fire department, I helped to train him as a medic, and he was a damn good one. A brand new father of 2 weeks, he developed chest pain a ouple of days ago. He went to the local hospital, and they blew it off as muscular, not cardiac. He had no history, worked out daily, didn't smoke, and ate right. This morning he went to the doctor, and they called an ambulance. He never made it. He coded in the rig, and the Er worked him for an hour, never got him back. He was 34 years old.

Folks, I tell you this because, honestly, if anybody should have been in his place, it's me. I have had 2 heart attacks, still smoke, and need to lose about 90 pounds. I got to see my kids grow into the fine adults they are today.

If you have chest pain, whether or not you have a history, don't ignore it, and don't let the doctor ignore it either. It could be fatal. And ladies, many times you will never notice when you are having a heart attack. Women often have what is sometimes called a "silent MI."

Thanks for listening, folks.

R.I.P. F/F Paramedic Eric Carpenter. Go with God, my young friend. You were a fine medic and a good friend.

 

[walkinghorse]

Condolences!

 

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

Very sad. Unfortunately the only guarantee we have in this life is that we are going to leave it. Next time you look at the night sky remember he's up there telling you everything is all right after all.

 

[Big Rich]

I know he's up there Blackhawk. The good ones truly die young.

 

[gunsmith11]

My dad died of a heart attack at 36 years old...
Mother in law in 1986 went to the hospitol for
chest pain, they sent her home,,she went to sis in laws house not 4 blocks from hospitol,,laid down on the floor for a nap,,,,NEVER woke up

 

[Wheelgunner840]

Very sorry to hear of this. 34 is way too young. Good advice on the chest pain warnings too. Prayers up for family and friends.

WG840

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

Hate to hear that, I have had many friends much "healthier" than I keel over and die before they hit the ground. Goes to show how little we/doctors really know about what really (other than statistically) causes heart attacks.

 

[Tom M]

That's terrible, Rich. I'm very sorry for your loss. Which hospital? Email me, if you don't want to post it on the forum.

 

[Crazy K38]

I am truly sad to hear about your good friend. I have always said the only thing we can do in this life is live, die and make our impression on this world the best we can, and from the sounds of it, misson accomplished, we never know how or when or why we will die, but we do get the reassurance that we will, don't fear it embrace it, because it is and always will be the one thing in life that is a given

 

[pawncop]

Big Rich,

My sincere condolences on the death of your friend. May you find the strength of God to sustain you in this time. I lift up his family, other friends, and co-workers that they may find peace and comfort that exists for them.

 

[29aholic]

My condolences, my best friend and will celebrate 30yrs of putting up with each other this month...I'd hate to think what I'd do without him.

We've both always said one of us shoulda been born a woman as it woulda been the best marriage either of us has had.

 

[Firehouse]

My sincerest condolences to you and your department. May his legacy live on.

 

[7.62foryou]

Sorry for your loss. I've always believed when it's time it's over no matter how well one lives. God apparently needed another good man.

 

[Spotteddog]

I am sorry for the loss of your friend Rich.
I was in my mid-thirties when my issue began appearing too. I was fortunate enough to make 49 before the quad bypass. You just can't ever tell? Why I was lucky enough to make 15 more years W/O an MI, who knows? It certainly wasn't due to living a clean lifestyle! No guarantee's my friend that's for sure!
Again, condolences on your loss...

 

[Big Rich]

Thank you all. Firehouse, Eric started out in a private ambulance service, which is where we met. He left the privates for the fire service, and I'm leaving the privates soon for the hospital after I pass my nurisng boards. I will pass on your thoughts and prayers.

 

[Thuer]

WoW that is heavy. Coledeances and my tought gets to his family and freinds. What a shok has that been.

 

[Hunt200]

I am sorry, may he rest in peace.

 

[Firehouse]

Rich, thanks for the insight. Most of us around here got into the department through running on ambulances or volunteer departments in the area. It's a blessing that Eric was able to follow his dreams. Good luck to you with your nursing boards. God bless, and be safe.

 

[PRC74]

My condolences. That is just too young.

 

[Thicker]

I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. Nothing about life is fair--just try to ride the full distance, I think your friend would want that.