More than a month after suffering a near-fatal heart attack, William Booth, a resident of Manatee County, took some time from his recovery to express his heartfelt gratitude to the Manatee County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) team who rushed to his rescue and the hospital staff who treated him. Booth's story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of learning and recognizing heart attack signs and symptoms, as well as calling for help immediately. According to county EMS managers, it's rare for EMS professionals to see the long-term outcomes of their life-saving work. But for Booth, 73, reuniting with his rescuers was a topmost priority. "Each one of these people, as I squeezed their hands, there was no insincerity," Booth said during an emotional reunion on Thursday. "These guys weren't just doing their job. They were superior at it. Minutes saved my life — not hours. If they hadn't been there or done their job so proficiently, you wouldn't be taking these pictures." The incident happened in the early hours of the Dec. 6 as Booth was making his morning coffee. A strange sensation which he said he felt in his chest prompted him to step away. MORE: https://www.wtsp.com/article/life/heartwarming/heart-attack-survivor-thanks-ems-heroes-saved-his-life/67-b9c61825-c0ff-42f9-9883-994f68fd5a8c