Proof, if ever it were needed that Rotary really can help save life. Two years ago the Rotary Club of Royal Hua Hin embarked on a project to have produced and sell ‘aspirin capsules’. These are a small container, available in different colours that can be put onto a key ring or lanyard unobtrusively, but inside is a single aspirin, to be used in the event of a possible heart attack. One hopes these will never be used, and the capsule can even be forgotten languishing on the key ring. However, you never know!
P
ast President Dougie Riach, from the Rotary Club of Bangkok South came to Hua Hin on Friday 8th February, to attend the Inter Club evening in the Amari Resort & Spa, and as usual says he had a wonderful evening. Dougie began to feel tired, but put it down to enjoyment and great company, along with the four hour drive down from Bangkok.
ast President Dougie Riach, from the Rotary Club of Bangkok South came to Hua Hin on Friday 8th February, to attend the Inter Club evening in the Amari Resort & Spa, and as usual says he had a wonderful evening. Dougie began to feel tired, but put it down to enjoyment and great company, along with the four hour drive down from Bangkok.The weekend in Hua Hin included the RC Bangkapi Children’s Day at the beach on the Sunday and Dougie was looking forward to that immensely. But when he awoke on Saturday, just did not feel well. No hangover but the feeling of tightness, and still very tired. So he decided to drive back to Bangkok, alone, which he considers stupid looking back, but understandably just wanted to get home. The drive again took around 4 hours and when he finally did get back he immediately slept for another three hours.
On Sunday Dougie awoke about 9am, had his usual ginger tea, but felt really cold and sweating. He again thought a lie down was needed, but that did no good and so he started walking with his wife to the local chemist 10 minutes away, but stumbled on some steps and felt a pain in his chest. He says this was a scary moment and decided that a hospital visit was now a must.
Dougie recalled the aspirin capsule he had on him, and now suspecting something more serious, took the aspirin. Following a harrowing trip on a busy BTS he arrived at Sukhumvit Hospital Ekamai, the Doctor took one look at him, put him on a wheelchair, into ECG, and 10 minutes later the operating theatre!
The Dr asked if Dougie had taken any medication, and he told him about the aspirin. The Dr confirmed that is what gave him the extra 45 minutes to get help!
Dougie had stents fitted and was in ICU for four days, and allowed home the following Thursday, thanks to a great hospital team, and Rotary.
He is still having regular check-ups and is on daily daily medication, but is well on the way to recovery, and keeps supporting Rotary where possible. Dougie attended the RCRHH Installation Evening on Saturday 1st June and was in great spirits.
Dougie said “My heartfelt thanks to the board and members of RC Royal Hua Hin, for the wonderful Aspirin Capsule project, and one such project ALL Rotary clubs could undertake. I look forward to seeing you all in the near future, and my best wishes to your new President Khun Napa. A huge thank you to RCRHH”.
