Saul Plata
The Gift of Time: Saul Plata's Second Chance
When you spend nearly 40 years farming the soil of South Georgia, working tobacco, cotton, and blueberries, you learn to tough things out. That was Saul Plata’s first instinct when sharp chest pain hit last month. Luckily, the 57-year-old farmer walked into Memorial Satilla Health's Emergency Room just in time.
Saul was immediately diagnosed with a severe heart blockage, and rushed into the cath lab for a stent. But the story didn't end there.
When his condition worsened, the watchful eyes of his care team caught it instantly. Saul was back in the cath lab for a second procedure where he received another stent and, critically, an Impella pump, allowing his heart a chance to rest and recover fully.
The Impella pump, an advanced, life-saving procedure, often requires transfer to a larger hospital – but no longer for patients at Memorial Satilla. Our expert cardiology team can implant and explant the pumps successfully right here at home! Within 24 hours, Saul’s Impella was removed, and within a week, he was back home with his wife and six children.
“All the care team has been very nice. We’ve received great care,” Saul says.
Saul’s youngest daughter, Hanny, stayed by his side through the whole ordeal. She’s recently enrolled in nursing studies at South Georgia State College. Her dad’s experience has only strengthened her determination her to pursue a healthcare career.
Saul recently celebrated a birthday – and another chance to blow out those candles – all thanks to the great care he received in his own community.
