On a recent trip my family and I visited Port Townsend to enjoy the abundant beauty, rich history and varied experiences the area has to offer. Our itinerary included touring museums, hiking at Fort Worden, sailing, shopping and walking along the waterfront.

All was good and everyone we met along the way pleasant and welcoming! But it was the evening to come that was especially eventful.

We went out to dinner at a wonderful local restaurant. Nothing unusual in that to cap off a great day. But at dinner I experienced a vagus nerve event that caused me to lose consciousness and become unresponsive to those around me.

Staff at The Fountain Café recognized not all was right and quickly called emergency services. My family tells me EMT’s arrived promptly and were very professional and caring in assessing the situation. My family also said other diners at the restaurant kindly offered help with whatever we might need from transportation to a place to stay for the night!

Fortunately, after some time with care at the scene I was able to recover and then walk back a few blocks to our local hotel. I don’t recommend a vagus nerve event to anyone, but should it happen to you I hope it is in a place where people are as kind and thoughtful as those who helped us that evening in Port Townsend.

To the very professional EMT personnel, helpful restaurant staff and concerned local patrons there that evening – thank you! Our experience in Port Townsend was indeed very special.

Doug Rossiter

Worthington, OH