Toronto Man Expresses Gratitude to Good Samaritan After Heart Attack
A Toronto man is deeply grateful for the quick actions of a Good Samaritan who helped him during a recent heart attack. He reports that several other people ignored his pleas for assistance in calling emergency services. The story has since spread on social media, highlighting the importance of simple acts of kindness.
The Incident in Liberty Village
Brijesh Patel was working out at his gym in Liberty Village a few weeks ago when he started feeling unwell. Experiencing chest tightness, he decided not to go home, where he lives alone. "The chest pain was getting worse, I was sweating a lot, and then my right hand started feeling numb, tingling," Patel told Global News, realizing he was likely having a heart attack.
Sitting on a bench in front of a restaurant, Patel asked passersby to call an ambulance. Despite being within touching distance of some, nobody responded. Finally, a man stopped, initially saying his phone was dead. Patel then realized he was holding his own phone but was disoriented and didn't know his location.
The Good Samaritan's Act
The man quickly ran into a nearby Pi Co. after calling 911 to ask for their address. He then returned and waited with Patel for the ambulance. "I remember him specifically saying, 'Hang in there brother, I can hear their sirens, they're close,' which was very assuring," Patel recalled. As paramedics took him away, Patel realized he didn't know the man's name.
After recovering in the hospital from a blocked artery, Patel asked a friend to check the restaurant's security cameras for footage of the Good Samaritan. A still image of the man was released.
Social Media Search and Anonymous Hero
Patel's sister, Sejal, created a social media video to help identify the Good Samaritan. Her efforts were successful. However, the man wished to remain anonymous.
"When we were trying to thank him, he said, ‘I don’t think I did anything special. Please don’t give me more accolades than I need, I’m just doing what’s normal, I’m doing what’s human,'" Sejal recounted.Even so, she connected her brother with his rescuer. Despite the man's reluctance to accept thanks, Patel insisted on showing his gratitude.
A Reminder to Help Others
While Patel holds no ill will towards those who ignored him, he encourages everyone to follow the Good Samaritan's example and do "what's human." "Sometimes maybe just slow down so you can help the opportunity to help someone," he said, adding, "it costs nothing to dial 9-1-1."
