ZAMBOANGA CITY: Timely response of people around and the quick arrival of a medical team have saved the life of a man who nearly suffered a stroke at a telecom office in Zamboanga City in the southern Philippine.

Joseph Climaco Directo, who was identified through his driver’s license, was at the office of the PLDT and was waiting for his turn to be called by the service representative when he suddenly dropped his phone and began shaking and salivating.

Directo could hardly move, his eyes shut as other customers alerted the security guards who phoned for an ambulance. Concerned customers took turns massaging Directo’s chest to alleviate his breathing condition until medical help could arrive.

One woman pricked Directo’s fingertip with a needle, saying that it would help loosen up the pressure of the man’s body. But medical experts said that it would not help a victim of stroke and could only delay treatment.

Members of Zamboanga’s Emergency Medical Services arrived just in time and examined the man whose blood pressure was at 160. It took about 30 minutes before Directo managed to speak, although he was severely disoriented.

Directo was eventually brought to Ciudad Medical Hospital.