Keep taking the tablets...

That last post has had me reflecting on the time that we did have a real medical drama here - and of course such events always happen in the middle of the night, especially when you live in a small village up in the hills. So, all the more impressive that the emergency services were here in not much more than 15 minutes - fantastic at 4 o'clock in the morning!

In fact the emergency ambulance service here is provided by the fire brigade, so we first had three pompiers (firemen) arrive on the scene with full paramedic kit. Light relief was actually provided by one of them asking "Have you tried taking your medication?"! Well, you would probably be glad of this guy if you were stuck in a blazing building but perhaps he is not a paramedic team leader... anyway, as everyone - including his colleagues and especially the patient - groaned aloud, the doctor arrived equipped and able to take the drama out of the crisis!

With the superbly fast reaction of the emergency team, followed by some excellent hospital care, this fortunately had a happy ending. So, a tribute to the wonderful French medical system as well as an extra cautionary note about being sure of the availability of medical services when you relocate...