He survived a dramatic car racing accident, but it was a heart attack on a Far North golf course that almost ended Colin Haste’s life.
But thanks to Cairns Hospital’s cardiac catheter laboratory moving to a 24-7 on call service, Mr Haste became the first local resident to receive life saving treatment after hours.
Today Mr Haste showed his appreciation for the efforts of the Cairns Hospital’s Cardiac team by donating $1000 to the 2015 Mount Franklin Cardiac Challenge.
Mr Haste, an historic Formula Two racing car driver, said it was one of the scariest moments of his life.
“I was in the operating theatre within two hours of the attack coming on,” he said.
“It certainly came as a shock, I had always lived an active life with a good diet and I have never smoked,” he said
“I have regular medicals each year to keep my racing licence and my cholesterol is checked as part of these medical examinations.
“This experience has made me realise it does not matter how active you are or how healthy your life style is, heart conditions don’t discriminate.”
Mr Haste said thanks to the new on-call cardiac service and the efforts of cardiologist Greg Starmer and his team, he was looking forward to getting back behind the wheel in November at the Sydney Motorsport Park.
” The result of that unit being there meant that I survived with very little heart muscle damage,” Mr Haste said.
“I have had two terrifying moments including being at Sandown circuit in Victoria when the car was sent end-over-end at 240kmh. I was lucky to walk away from that accident and I consider myself just as lucky to walk away from my heart attack.”
Mr Haste said he had the greatest admiration and gratitude for the level of care that was shown to him.
“He explained in detail what had happened to me afterwards and was a wonderful support to my wife during what was a very traumatic time.”
Dr Starmer said the addition of the critical service has been both welcome and reassuring for local patients and staff alike.
“Since we opened to around the clock emergency coronary angioplasty, more than 25 people have been treated out-of usual business hours, including four just last weekend.” Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation CEO Tony Franz said it was rewarding to see people who benefit from Cairns health services, give back to help others in their hour of need.
“Every cent donated to the Foundation goes to its intended purpose and stays local, so it’s great to see people like Colin who have benefited make a contribution to help others,” he said.
Funds raised from the Mount Franklin Cardiac Challenge bike ride go towards providing equipment at the cardiac unit at Cairns Hospital. Since it started nine years ago, more than $2 million has been raised, contributing items such as an echocardiography (ultrasound) system for young patients, a portable echocardiography system for young patients and two intra-aortic balloon pumps.
For more information about the Mount Franklin Cardiac Challenge, visit www.cardiacchallenge.com.au.
PICTURED: Cairns Hospital Cardiologist Dr Greg Starmer, Colin Haste and FNQHF CEO Tony Franz.
