DAWSON, Ga. (WALB) — A Dawson construction worker is recovering after suffering a stroke on the job, surviving thanks to a split-second decision by his boss when emergency help was delayed.

66-year-old Bill Keiser said he began feeling like something was wrong while repairing flooring underneath a home in Dawson.

“My right arm would not work right, and then all of a sudden, I couldn’t talk,” Keiser said. “Everything was being mumbled. I could think the words, but I couldn’t speak them out.”

Keiser has spent decades working in various trades including carpentry, plumbing, roofing and electrical work. He knew his family had a history of strokes. Keiser said many of his family members passed away from strokes.

But Keiser’s boss, who he had been working with for four years, stepped in before the situation got worse. Keiser’s boss called 911 three times but was told emergency crews were delayed.

“Eventually [my boss] said, ‘I am not waiting for this ambulance no more. Get in the truck. We’re getting out of here,’” Keiser recalled.

With time critical and the delays unacceptable, his boss made the decision to load Keiser in his truck and drive to a nearby Convenient Care Clinic himself.

Keiser was later transferred to Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, where doctors confirmed he had suffered a stroke with multiple blood clots in his brain.

Now in recovery, Keiser is returning to work. He said he feels better each day, but now faces a new crisis: hospital bills and prescription costs.

“I got the medicine I need and it’s 500 and some dollars,” Keiser said. “Now I got a copay, and I can’t afford it. I only make so much on Social Security retirement. And that’s gone at the beginning of each month between rent and utilities.”

Keiser credits his boss’ quick thinking with saving his life and hopes that sharing his experience will raise awareness about stroke symptoms in rural communities, where emergency response times can be delayed.

“I’m extremely grateful that he’s a nice guy, and that he cares about me,” Keiser said.

Keiser also said his story emphasizes how fast action—even outside traditional emergency response—can make the difference between life and death when every second counts.

Common Stroke Warning Signs:

• Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion or difficulty speaking
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause

If you see any of these signs, experts advise that you call 911 immediately.

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Copyright 2026 WALB. All rights reserved.