A WOMAN who suffered a life threatening infection has thanked the ambulance workers who saved her.

Sue Pinnock came close to death when she became severely breathless and feverish after developing sepsis.

Sepsis, known as the silent killer, affects thousands of people every year but often goes undetected until it is too late for treatment to work.

It happens when an infection causes an extreme response from the body’s immune system and can quickly lead to the failure of the heart, liver, lungs or kidneys and eventual death.

Mrs Pinnock, 54, from Ashington, near Steyning, had an upset stomach which got progressively worse over two days.

She called NHS 111 for advice and a doctor gave her a prescription for her sickness and diarrhoea.

However it did not work and Mrs Pinnock became feverish, breathless and at times in so much pain she was unable to walk.

She called NHS 111 again and the operator sent emergency care support worker Dominic Cona and technician Richard Courtenage, to her house.

Mr Cona said: “The minute we walked through the door we knew that something was very wrong .”

At first the crew thought Mrs Pinnock was suffering heart problems but when they checked her vital signs they began to suspect it might be sepsis.

They followed guidance issued to crews by the trust on checking for the infection and took Mrs Pinnock to hospital as quickly as possible so she could get the life-saving antibiotics she needed.

On arrival it was confirmed she was suffering severe sepsis and she was rushed into intensive care where she remained in a critical condition for 48 hours.

Mr Cona said: “I have no doubt in my mind that if Sue had not called us when she did, she would not be here today.

“It is a job which will stay with me for a long time and is the reason why I applied to get on the paramedic degree course.”

Mrs Pinnock said: “I know it is a cliche but without the quick actions of Dominic and Richard, I would not be here today.

“I felt so reassured in their care. They even took the time to return to the hospital and see how I was doing, knowing that my family were not nearby. It was so kind hearted and generous of them.”