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Rod Combs, 69, appreciates where he lives here in Rutherford County and although he suspects many have lived in the Green Hill area most of their lives, he wants everyone to know just how extremely proud he is to be in the place he lives.
Combs and his wife Karin moved to the Mountain Creek area from Ohio about three years ago after visiting western North Carolina many times to visit family.
On February 5, while working on his home, Combs was experiencing shortness of breath and tightness in his chest that he had experienced many times before when over exerting himself, but this time was different. He came into the house and told Karin to help him get some clothes changed, he needed to go to the hospital. But as his heart began to feel as though it was being squeezed by a vice, Karin dialed 911.
In a very short time, Green Hill Volunteer Fire Department personnel arrived and immediately began to help Combs and shortly after that Rutherford County EMS was on the scene.
Although there is no heart disease among his 12 siblings, parents and more than 40 cousins, Combs was having a heart attack. He said he told himself during the heart scare, "this is going to be bad," having had no experience with family with heart trouble, he wasn't sure what to expect.
EMS transported him to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center where subsequent tests revealed a blockage in his widowmaker artery that required a stent immediately. A stent was placed in the artery and he was on his way to recovery and 48 hours later he was home.
He said his wife handled everything and was cool, calm and collected as she gave information to the 911 dispatcher.
"It couldn't have gone better," he said.
Combs has nothing but praise for the Green Hill first responders and Rutherford EMS for helping him.
Last week Combs purchased an ad in Rutherford Weekly just to thank the two departments for their outpouring of support and love.
"The response, professionalism and care I received by the Green Hill FD squad personnel and the Rutherford County EMS team was A-1," Combs said. "I will be forever grateful to them. . .don't take for granted those who have chosen professions to protect and serve".
"They saved me," he said.
The couple came to Green Hill after selling their home in Ohio in 2021, purchasing a Coachman Chaparral 5th wheel camper and thus began their search for "our rest of life home in Western NC," he said.
Karin's youngest brother lives between Bat Cave and Hendersonville at World's Edge, so they had visited WNC often and the only decision to make was where specifically to settle, Combs said.
The couple ultimately found exactly what they wanted in Rutherford County.
"So we quickly sold the camper after moving into our new digs. No need to go anywhere else to find relaxation and solace." If there's another lesson to learn from the heart episode, Combs reminds everyone, "Trust your instincts. If your primary care physician is not listening or acting on the information you provide, insist they follow through or find one that will. No one knows changes on how you are feeling better than you. Not even your doctor," he said.
Karin said one of the things that really struck a cord with her was how courteous, caring and professional all the first responders were, not only caring for Mr. Combs, but they were so attentive to how she was coping.
"We have really good people here responding in time of need."
"Appreciate the community where you live...life is good here and folks ought to appreciate it," he added.
Rod and Karin continue to be grateful for the community they call home.
