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Shrugging off a bout of fatigue after the gym, Murray soldiered on but started to feel worse as the evening progressed.

“I have always been very fit and healthy, so was a bit reserved – I actually tried to downplay it all but as I progressively felt worse I asked my wife to take me to hospital,” Murray says.

When it came time to leave, Murray tried to stand up but could only take a few staggering steps before he collapsed. Immediately Jan, Murray’s wife, phoned 111 and an ambulance was dispatched.

Paramedics Matthew and Grace arrived quickly and began their initial assessment.

Murray was conscious but his speech was slurred and had a significant loss of coordination and strength on his right side – he was having stroke.

Everyone was focused on ensuring Murray got to hospital as soon as possible.

It was because the quick response of our paramedics and the stroke specialists at Hutt Hospital, that Murray was fortunate to be able to receive a special treatment to dissolve the clot which was causing his symptoms.

In general, the earlier the patient is treated the better as this helps to reduce the area affected by the stroke.

On the way to hospital, Murray admits that he began to think about the implications of having a stroke and how significant his recovery was going to be.

However, Murray responded positively to the treatment and over the next 48 hours regained his normal movement and speech.

“I am sincerely thankful to have an effective ambulance service such as Wellington Free Ambulance and the medical specialists at Hutt Hospital."

Wellington Free Ambulance Deputy Medical Director Dr Dave O’Byrne explains that recognising the signs of stroke early and calling for help is very important.

“Our paramedics are well trained to identify possible stroke symptoms, and transport patients with them as early as possible to hospital. Anyone who is concerned that they may be having a stroke, with sudden onset arm or leg weakness, face weakness, or difficulty speaking, should call 111 to ensure an ambulance is on its way,” Dave says.

Neither Murray nor Jan had ever needed an ambulance before but they were appreciative of the professional service and treatment received on this occasion.

“If it wasn’t for the great service provided by the Wellington Free Ambulance and all other emergency services, there would be a great number of New Zealanders who would not get the help they need,” Murray explains.

“Without the help of the paramedics and the doctors, I am confident that I would not have recovered as I have today. A sincere thank you to everyone who provide our community with such a world class service.”

To learn more about recognising the signs of stroke visit the Stroke Foundation website: stroke.org.nz/fast