As an ER- and ambulance nurse, I was immediately triggered, when I saw the title of this video. "Bad???" But i have to thank you for your kind words, we truly have a good (emergency) health system, Great to see you are OK now.
There seems to be a narrative (read: scare mongering) in the conservative media in the United States that healthcare in Europe is some sort of "socialist" hellscape with poor outcomes and extreme waiting times to get medical care. The title of the video somewhat caters to Americans who erroneously may believe so. That said, I am glad all is well and that they got a first hand experience -- even though the situation must have been quite scary -- that obliterates that nonsense.
Be thankfull that you still live here in the Netherlands/Europe i assume that you are Dutch? America is not the greatest country in the world and it's definitely not the land of the free far from it. Europe is not perfect but it's still so much better than the so called land of the free it's not.
@@DidierWierdsma6335 U.S. is a fantastic country which fundaments are still of great importance for the West as a whole. Do nor immitate the narratives media and anti-americans tell you. .it is very biased and doesn't make you an independent thinker.. Love🌹
@@jsb7975 And so is the Netherlands also a great tiny country and it was of great importance for the US fundaments. There ain't such thing as the best or the greatest nation, thats all subjective and depends on what things you personally value most. That differs from person to person and from culture to culture. Having different values or opinions is not making the other good or bad, it's just making them different and that's all.
Hi guys, I am so happy Eric you are okay. I am a nurce on the Cardiac Care Unit and ICU and yes it's an oiled machine, the way how people are being brought to us and how fast they get treatment. Every second counts. I was shocked when I watched EMT video's in the USA, how much time it took for the medics to reach a patient. Scary! Here ambulance basisses are everywhere and it takes just minutes when they are inside your home. That already saved your life. The specialized Emergency nurse in the ambulance gives all details and heartstrips threw to hospitals close by and the hospital that can treat you right away will be your hospital. What they did, they made a small incission, psuhed a very small wire threw to your heart at the place where it was collapsed (or clotted) and in the tip there is the stent that's folded. They unfold the stent in he exact right spot and makes the blood flow again. Since you had a heartattack, there is some heartmuscle loss. How much they can see with the same procedure or an ultra sound. Most of the people around you in the hospital are specialized well schooled nurses. Yes, everybody living in the Netherlands needs to have an insureance, to prevent situations like in the US. It's around 130 euro's a month for an adult, children till 18 are free. So a family with 3 kid, would pay 260 euro a month and EVERYTHING is covered. Prevention, diagnostic, treatment, after care and medicine for how long you need them. This is a HUGE diffence with the States. Your words: "If this would have happened in the states, I would not be sitting here" are actually sad. But I am very happy you WERE in the Netherlands with a very good healthcare system. Don't feel ashamed for emotions, that's very normal after heartattacks or heartsurgery. You suddenly understand how fragile life can be and how we depend on our heart to work(and all other organs) Psychology wise it's very normal you are more emotional. Much love!
I had a heart attack about 11 years ago in England, where I live in my own. About 11 o clock one night I was getting ready to go to bed, and my legs just collapsed, no pain. My mobile phone as at my side, I telephoned my nearest relative, a niece, who had a key to my door, ten minutes later, she had been in bed at the time, immediately followed by the paramedics, who had been parked nearby, apparently this is standard practice, they ran upstairs, I live in an upstairs flat ( apartment). Asked me where the pain was, I explained that I had no pain, my legs just collapsed. They immediately started putting sticky pads all over me attached to this machine. Then told me that I had had a heart attack, I told them I cant be, they showed me the print out to convince me. Within half an hour I was in hospital having two stets inserted into my heart. Five days in hospital. Physical Therapy. Paid Zero. No,thing since, regular check ups of course, Medication delivered to my? home.As an old age Pensioner. Again nothing to pay. Paid Tax and National Insurance from the age of 15 to 58, took early retirement to nurse my husband. Who worked from the age of 14 to 60. Paying the same. of course different treatments for any illness or medical procedure needed.
All ambulance paramedics in the Netherlands are qualified nurses (RN), specialized in EMT, most of them have experience in ICU/Cardiac Intensive Care, etc. We call them 'ambulance nurses'. The driver has been trained to drive emergency vehicles, etc., but is also qualified in assisting the nurse/paramedic. So they should perform as a smooth operating team. And they seem to be doing a great job, as you have experienced. Being Dutch I'm proud of them.
So happy you are still with us. Be careful Eric. We want to see you enjoy retirement, having fun and making jokes. Much respect for the medics for saving you and Travis, Tracey and Dianne for emotional support. Healthcare in the Netherlands + support from your friends = Happy Eric and Tammy. ❤❤❤
I'm glad you survived.. I had exactly the same in 2012 on vacation in France.. the same treatment and the same costs as in The Netherlands ;-) I later discovered the French cardiologist and my Dutch cardiologist knew each other and worked together during study. Keep exercising and when you feel a feeling you don't like, don't hesitate and make an appointment for a check. A friend of mine ignored this advice and the little pains died 2 weeks after feeling the pains. By the way I'm a retired Dutch police officer and did 100+ CPR's during my work. Dutch police officers are CPR experts too. I love and value the Dutch paramedics too very much. Good health and a long life.
On a recent visit to Amsterdam, I had an emergency and needed ambulance and ER. The experience was so much better than I expected. The team was kind, professional, and efficient. a stark contrast to my US. Experience
I have had the same experience, Had chestpain and difficulty breathing. Called 112 and the paramedics arrived in 5 minutes and put all the stickers on me. Fortunately nothing wrong with my heart it turned out to be hyperventilation which I never experienced before.. Great guys, diagnosed me well and acted in split seconds. Really happy with the paramedics here.
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻to all our dokters,nurses and ambulance workers! They really deserve all the respect. And yes, people pay attention when you’re on the road and make way.
Absolutely! Though at one time about 15 years ago, an ambulance snuck up on me on the highway, so close that I could only see the grill in my rearview mirror. He had his blue lights on but not the siren, but I only saw that after I had finished overtaking the trucks I was passing. I couldn't see the lights when he was so close behind me, and as it was dark I couldn't see the other markings. I thought he was just an asshole. Which he was. They need to keep proper distance, so people can actually see their emergency lights. Getting to within a meter of a car driving 120 km/u is NOT professional.
@@TheEvertw ...welllll.... most of them have grill lights, now, and I guess that he expected that you, as a careful driver, might look in your mirror, occasionally !
@@lohikarhu734 My teacher told me that the danger is in front, not the behind -- unless changing lanes. I have grown accustomed to assholes trying to push you faster than is legal just because the think they own the road, and I ignore them. And no, this vehicle did not have grill lights. If I had seen it was an ambulance I _might_ have accelerated a bit, but there was no way to change lanes as I was overtaking a line of trucks driving very closely together, so he was stuck behind me anyway. Having an ambulance behind you is no excuse for breaking the limit nor for endangering yourself by trying to squeeze in between two 50-ton vehicles that drive 10 meters (30 feet) apart. To do that, I would have needed to break from 120km/h to 90km/h, which would not have been safe with him so close behind me. Another reason why the creep should have known better than to do that. So please, do all the wise-cracking you like, it only exposes your ignorance.
@@grahamsmith9541 In the NL you can call 112 for the coastguard/knrm as well, but it is not given as an option. You just have to mention you are on the water.
I often see our ambulance personnel sitting quietly in their ambulance, for hours. And then it's on. And they go. And they're ready to do anything to save you. They take their time to relax just to be there when you need them to give their all. And I love 'm for it.
We had an emergency with our youngest daughter while visiting my husband’s family in the US (my daughter was a baby) and we tried to get medical help and it was truly horrendous. No exaggeration. We ended up at a pediatrician waiting for 5 hours and paying nearly $500 to be told to go to wallgreens and get an over the counter solution. I’m happy everything turned out well and you guys got the medical attention and support you needed ❤
Omg, glad tammy called 112. Never hesitate to call for help it could save your life. The paramedics are well educated and we should be so fortunated that we have such teams in the Netherlands. Glad you are still with us! Have a speedy recovery! Hugs for both of you❤
I am SO glad your soul didn't go travelling just yet! ;-) Glad to still have you around! Tammy, that scare must have been humongous for you too. Big hug for you both!
5 weeks ago I received a stent after a heart attack. However, the Cardiology team decided I should have a double bypass a week later in a town called Nieuwegein in the Netherlands. I'm still in recovery but next week the physical therapy starts. I'm not allowed to drive a car or bike or lift anything. The bèta blocker medication is heavy. I'm very much impressed with the professional attitude of all medical disciplines. The health workers around the country are real heroes.
That must have been a real scare. Thank goodness you are allright and feeling better. No more trying Dutch snacks videos, just healthy food for you! Lots of vegetables and fruit. Hope you stay OK!!
Dear Eric & Tammy, this must have been such a scary episode for you both. Eric, I'm so happy that you are ok now. A big thank you to Dianne, Travor & Tracy for being there when needed most, that's what we call a loving support system. Take it easy for now, regain your strength, and before you know it you're on top of the world again! Much love, Heleen.
I'm so glad that you guys are okay again!! I had a heartattack in 2009 at the age of 40, and to this day I am amazed how FAST and WELL- OILED all the teams worked to save me, from the ambulance to the cardio-surgeon in the Erasmus Medical Centre in Rotterdam - the heart recovery centre afterwards to help us patients getting stronger again. It is now 2023, and I went from 6 meds to only 2 medicines now, so Eric my dear, keep working on your condition and diet (and the emotional side of it all is the most important thing). Tammy, you are amazing, sweetheart. Thank you for saving your love and being by his side. And thank your support team and everyone around you guarding you both like a circle of Love. This was a life-changing experience for all involved, so please don't be alarmed when feeling suddenly emotional. If needed, you can talk to a therapist about your experience. With all that said, your video will help bringing awareness to other viewers as well, so thank you for that as well. MUCH LOVE, my dears ❤❤❤
Wow what a scare that must have been, and i am so glad you are doing ok Eric. And yes one thing you can be sure about here is that you are well taken care off by doctors and nurses and everyone else here. And so nice you both had Diana and Tracy and Travis to fall back on. Take care and don't give us a scare like that anymore anytime soon
Wow, brings back memories about a 112 call I had to make for a dear friend of mine a couple months back. That was in Hilversum. They were so professional, this friend is from the UK, and also speaks mostly English. As soon as I hung up the phone I could already hear the faint sirens from afar and it took only a few minutes for them to arrive. He had four stands brought in right after and one some weeks later. He had a long period of episodes stretching through a good few years and his whole health had gone down for long. Now after his hospital treatment you should see him! He's got colour back on his face, makes jokes again, runs around from place to place on his own. It really brought him a new youth! Glad you're still here Eric, would definitely miss following your journey!
I love it how Tammy could't come up with the name for 'huisarts' in English. That's an indication that your Dutch is improving at high speed. Mind my words; one of these days you will be dreaming in Dutch. 😊
It must have been so comforting for Tammy that Trevor and Tracy came along. No matter how much you life in The Netherlands, it must feel wonderful to have countrymen by your side in such a stressful time.
I was a Paramedic/Emergency Room Assistant for 10 years in The States as well as an EHBO verpleegkundige/Ecg analyst here in The Netherlands for another 20. The care in both countries is excellent, however you're correct about the shameful cost of medical expenses in America. The Dutch insurance system is far better in my view! I'm so glad you are better. 🙏🕊
@@waterkoud1 it is not even close. It doesn’t mean it is getting worse and you shouldn’t be allowed to criticize, but it is no way near as bad as the US.
What a shock! Glad that you (2) are o.k. again. Choosing 🇳🇱with our fantastic medics, saved your life. Now you’ll probably get a flood of Dutch advice: eating fatty fish at least once a week, etc. Hope you feel better now with the pile of pills. Take care, best wishes (looking forward to the bills comparison).
I am so happy you are safe again, you are so lucky (it sounded that the artery that was blocked is called "the widow maker"). Keep praying for you two lovely people❤
Dear people, the Dutch Ambulance is a specially trained nurse and his companion is a doctor. 50 years ago I was a co-driver myself then we had no doctor on board I then spoke to my boss about this and then we had a conversation with the medical director of the academic hospital Leiden because of that the training has been adjusted and now there are nurses and doctors on board.
Oh my word, Eric, I am glad that you turned out OK. Funny to see that at first you were a bit casual about the whole experience, but then it got to you after all. Please stay safe, and thank you guys for all the tremendous video's that we are presented with.
I've been rushed to the hospital myself 3 weeks ago and it was a close call. But after 2 days I was alright again and out of there. These people from the ambulance, the ER, the doctors and the nurses, they are all living angels on Earth. Glad to hear you're alright too 👍
Eric, good to see you came out of it all alright, albeit with a few extra pills. Yes, paramedics are real heroes, saving lives on a daily basis. Fyi, paracetamol isn’t a blood thinner, aspirine is (in small doses). Looking forward to the next video, guys. Hugs for you both 🤗
Great to hear you're doing all right now. Good luck with your further recovery, Eric. Also, I don't think we Dutch really appreciate our care system. We just seem to take it all for granted. It's nice to see some geniune appreciation for the 'verzorgingsstaat' our parents have built.
i can relate to the emotion you got when you recalled how nice the staff were coz each time I speak about my similar experiences at that field, tears pop up in eyes too. I am ever so happy that you are alright now. Take good care of yourself and be grateful for every next day of your life. God bless you both. Lots of love.
first and foremost, i'm so sorry you went through this. Secondly i'm so glad youre still here. And i am so grateful that you not only receive amazing healthcare, but that Tammy had the most amazing support system during these tough times. It must have been so scary to be in a foreign country, that you do call home, while going through this. I wish you all the best.
Wow what a shock ! So glad you are still here Eric ! Congratulations on surviving that crisis. Good for you both to call for help straight away. Thumbs up for the medical team !
You don’t have to do everything for content :) Glad to see you’re doing ok again! Do yourself a favor and go to the “ hartrevalidatie”. You go to a gym in the hospital where you’re monitored while exercising and so you can see what you can or can’t do now. It’s covered by your insurance. It helped me and others a lot. Take care!
Glad to hear you are okay Eric! Lots of well wishes and "beterschap" to you. I usually never comment, but I just want to let you know you guys are my favorite people on RU-vid, hope you'll be enjoying the Netherlands for many many years to come ❤
Man, I am so glad you are okay. I had a heart issue in October that sent me to the emergency room and was hospitalized overnight. Testing indicated a possible blockage, so I had to go through the same procedure you went through. Unfortunately after around 10-15 minutes, I woke to find the doctor trying to massage the scope through my forearm. My muscles were spasming, so they had to back out and go through the groin. Thankfully no blockage was found. I have narrow arteries, which threw off the test results. Still on 3 medications. My difference from your experience is I am in Texas, so insurance is an issue. I have no problem with the health CARE I received-I found everyone kind and competent. It’s the insurance that I wish the US could figure out. Total charges were around $48,000, though I have only had to pay a little over $1400. I had hit my deductible for the year with this visit, but I still had to protest when I received bills a few months later stating one of the doctors was not covered. I protested stating it was an emergency and I wasn’t able to check if the doctor accepted my insurance. I won the protest and the hospital also said they made a billing error by using the wrong code. Stuff like this makes me want to go back to the “motherland” where my parents and grandparents came from aka The Netherlands 😂
Glad to hear you're okay, and that they were able to help you so well. People who work in the healthcare sector are unfortunately not appreciated enough by our government and deserve much more than what they're receiving. Take care!
So glad you are okay now and help came in time. I think all our paramedics are awesome and deserve the best (including a lot more money every month). You make us realise how good our healthcare system actually is. Thank you for sharing this
You guys....this must have been a horrific experience for you....Wow.... guys..... woof.....Thank Darwin you were here in The Netherlands with our high medical standard, so no further harm was done.... And yes those medical guys from the Ambulance, Hospital Nurses, Hospital Doctors, and so forth....these are the best and they indeed work their asses off every day... Every day you live is a gift...make it count !
You are talking so “lightly” about this, while I can imagine the scare you both must have felt at all those gruesome moments. I am so happy you felt supported by everyone you got in contact with those moments. And most of all I am happy to see how well both of you are handling it now as you show in this video. Even though I am sure you encounter other moments now with thoughts about how else this all could have ended. But in this video, your energy was addictive. Thanks for sharing
Glad to have you with us still. It is so good to realise how blessed we are with our medical coverage here in the Netherlands. Also when you talked about not being covered by your health insurance in the US, consider getting travel insurance with extra medical coverage next time you go over. Rates are reasonable and it covers a lot of extra costs should you fall ill when visiting over there.
Take care Eric, I’m glad you’re doing well after this ‘horrific’ adventure. With Tammy at your side you’re in good hands. I feel for you Tammy, it must have been horrible for you too.
What a rollercoaster this must have been for you both, my thoughts are with you. I hope things continue to go well for the future. I am proud of our medical system. I have dealt with it myself for the past two years and they have helped me tremendously. Greetings from a Dutchie.
Wow that was an intensive experience. Glad you're out of the hospital Eric and Tammy, i'm happy that you had a support team here this not a walk in the park.
Sorry it slipped away too fast. It always makes me feel good to hear my country (in this case the medicine people) got it right. Even if I no longer live there ! Much love to you both ! 🇳🇱💕🌷
Wooow.. what a stuff you experienced. Glad to see you still around here.... Stay safe for now . About the paramedics... Wondering if the are now watching your video and priaises and thinking... Damn. That was me 😂 Hope to see a lot more videos from you BOTH !
It's been 12 months since my heart attack. had. I assume you have also been referred for physiotherapy for your recovery program ??? get well take it easy and go out to sport in a few weeks 'is good for your rikketik❤
Best of wishes to you Eric, glad you're still around to bring a smile on your viewers faces 😉 Take good care of each other and take it easy... so that it wil be a smooth recovery! Heel veel beterschap en ik zal voor je duimen!! ( curious how google will translate that one 😂)
So glad you are still here and that you two had such good experience with our healthcare and medical emergency care. And I agree... these people from the ambulance are definitely one of the hardest working and professional people there are! And i'm very curious to see you compare your hospital bill and your daughters hospital bill.
Tip: Ask the pharmacy to put your meds in what is called a 'baxter rol' for you. Saves you from having all of those boxes with meds and having to handle them every day. No extra charge. Every morning you rip off a section displaying the current date and day, containing all you need. Doesn't take more than 20 seconds. I have had this routine myself for 4 years now.
Good to hear you are okay. You guys remind me every time of what I miss from The Netherlands (I immigrated to the US from The Netherlands) and good medical is one of them.
Congratulations for the good ending of that huge frightful experience! Happy for you and Tammy that you are still around, Eric! Enjoy life and take good care. Happy to hear that the healthcare is good and professional. Bye bye, love and greetings.
Woah, so happy you survived. You are my favorite expat couple! Dont die on us! Keep healthy and wow i admire your attitude, so positive! Keep the cool videos coming and take all the medicines!
Wow, that must have been such a scary experience for the both of you. I am so glad you are still with us Eric, thanks to the excellent medical people who helped you. Of course it is completely understandable that you have not fully processed it, as these things have quite an impact on you. Hope you will fully recover soon!
Eric, im so glad to see you being your normal self despite what must have been a traumatic experience for both of you. It was also heartening to hear what a positive experience you had with the medical system. I’m worried about this myself, but your video eased some of my worries. I wish you all the best!
Your attitudes are honestly inspiring, you make almost dying to a heart attack seem like as small of an inconvenience as spilling a cup of water on the floor. Sending much love ❤❤
My dad ded from a heart attack (or infarct). There were so many signs but we didn't see them clearly enough. Even had to reanimate him, though sadly it was pointless at the end. He died sadly. So I am glad you survived and are a bit better now. Still best wishes and be safe/healthy. We won't wanna loose you 2.
Hey guys, glad Eric is doing ok. Went through same (even worse) and patient of Sint Franciscus cardiology team. Heart problems do take a toll mentally. If you want to talk, gimme a PM :)
Gosh guys, hearing it in details makes my heart race! So glad that you feel better now and that the medical team were so great and able to give you the care you needed. And how fantastic that you’re able to do most of the things you like again. ❤️ and in a while flying will be ok as well, I’m sure. Thank you for sharing this 😘🌷 (So annoying when drivers think only of themselves and just don’t get out of the way! They’d think differently when they’d be laying in there for sure… I hope the ambulances have cameras and sent the footage to the police😊 I have no idea but it could help)
What a shocker of a video! Glad you are still with us! Havent watched the whole video yet, but have you been informed about Aspirine (salicylate)? It's available in pretty much every supermarket and drug store. Edit: Also, there are watches available with EKG (ECG in Dutch) function. They can alert you and loved ones in case it senses something is off. Just a thought.
@@TheXshot No! Those two are NOT comparable when it comes to heart attacks and definitely not the same thing! To learn more you should look up information on Aspirine (acetylsalicylic acid) and the effect it has on a heart attack.
So glad you ARE talking to us! You will be more emotional than usual for a while, that’s part of the process, just ride that wave. Chances are that the bills will go directly to your insurance company but you can check them on your account with them. Take care! 😘
What a scare! And what a luck that they could fix you up! I would like to see many more videos from the two of you, so please hang on there, and don't forget to take your pills! Love from Utrecht.
Dear Eric, I am glad that you are well again and that you have had a good experience with the Dutch healthcare system. and Eric and Tammy we love your videos but don't forget now the most important thing right now is to recover and rest! we can wait! best wishes, love from us.
I'm very glad to hear you're all right, Eric. That must have been terrifying to go through. I nearly lost my mother to COVID last month and she had to be picked up by an ambulance, too, so I know how sudden and scary all of this can be. Fortunately, we also had a good experience with the ambulance staff. They're true pros. I hope you and Tammy can take it easier now that the worst is behind you. Take the time to heal and process all you went through. Be safe and be well! Heel veel beterschap!
I normally do not react to RU-vid posts, but when viewing your coverage of what happened to you, I simply could not hold back: I wish you a very good recovery, Eric, you must have had some kind of a guardian angel…love your channel in general! All the best!
I must say it was a shock to watch your video this morning and learn what you have just gone through Eric. I am so grateful that you are okay as I didn’t realize how much I look forward to your and Tammy’s videos and missed you when you traveled to meet your new grandchild. I have been to Amsterdam three times and had to leave abruptly three years ago because Covid had arrived in NL. My partner and I (fellow Californians) also had an emergency while in A’dam and the medical personnel who cared for him were top notch. If it had not been for Covid I would be living there too! Op uw goede gezondheid!
Tip : add the 112 app on your phone. It gives you directly access to 3 large buttons : Police, Ambulance or Fire. You can speak directly to the operator saving seconds and the inbuilt GPS will tell them where you are calling from. Bonus : quite handy when you are on the road ( car or bike) and an accident occurs . If you need all 3 emergy services at the same time, just choose one and operator will send all 3 hearing your call
I am glad that you are both ok now and I can't wait to see the comparison between the two hospital bills. I know what it is to be taken by an ambulance to the hospital (several times) and also to be trained by a ambulance nurse in first aid (ehbo). Stay healthy and I hope to see your next video soon.