Texas County Memorial Hospital staff provided lifesaving care to one of its own – Bill Bridges, chief executive officer – after he suffered a sudden heart attack on July 17.
What began as a typical summer night quickly became a medical emergency.
“I had just mowed the grass and was relaxing at home when I started walking down the hallway and noticed that my hands and fingers didn’t feel right,” Bridges recalled. “I told my wife, Shannon, that I thought something was wrong. Then I passed out and slid down the wall.”
Shannon immediately called 911. While waiting for help, Bridges briefly regained consciousness and tried to get up – only to collapse again.
Within minutes, EMS crew members Travis Mills and Jason Steelman arrived, loaded Bridges into the ambulance, and began care. Before leaving the house, they established IV lines in both arms and performed a 12-lead electrocardiogram (EKG). The results showed a ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) – a severe heart attack requiring immediate intervention. The crew alerted TCMH’s emergency department to prepare for their arrival.
Upon arrival, the emergency team followed established STEMI protocols – part of the hospital’s Level Four STEMI designation from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. These protocols ensure rapid, coordinated action to preserve heart muscle until the patient can reach a facility equipped for advanced cardiac procedures.
Dr. Jared Emery, the physician on call, ordered a second EKG, which was performed within one minute of arrival – far ahead of the state goal of 10 minutes. He also ordered lab work and a chest X-ray. The results confirmed the STEMI diagnosis.
Dr. Emery immediately administered Tenecteplase (TNK), a “clot buster” medication designed to quickly restore blood flow. State guidelines recommend giving TNK within 30 minutes of arrival; at TCMH, it was administered in just seven minutes.
TCMH staff then prepared Bridges for urgent transport to Cox Hospital in Springfield, a Level One STEMI center offering advanced interventional care. TCMH recorded an impressive door-in and door-out time of just 16 minutes – well ahead of the 45-minute goal.
Upon arrival at Cox, Bridges was taken to the cardiac catheterization lab, where tests revealed his right coronary artery was completely blocked. Surgeons performed a successful emergency balloon procedure that evening, restoring blood flow. Bridges spent two nights in the hospital before returning home to Houston.
Just one week later, Bridges began a 12-week cardiac rehabilitation program at TCMH to rebuild strength and improve heart health.
“The sooner the patient starts cardiac rehabilitation, the better the outcome,” said Dana Wilson, TCMH cardiac rehabilitation director.
Bridges says the experience reinforced his pride in TCMH.
“I am proud to share stories about our patient outcomes every chance I get – how we make a difference in people’s lives,” Bridges said. “Now I have my own story. I experienced firsthand the extraordinary care our staff provides. If TCMH hadn’t been here, my outcome could have been very different. I am deeply proud of – and grateful for – every member of our team.”
According to the American Heart Association, heart attack symptoms can include chest discomfort; pain in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach; shortness of breath; sweating; nausea; or lightheadedness. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Way to go,TCMH!!! So glad you are doing so good, Bill. So much has changed, since I retired, for the better.
WOW, MAY GOD BLESS YOU BILL
I’ve been through TCMH Cardiac Rehab myself. Great program! Work him over Dana!