Call 9-1-1
The first step to take when a heart attack happens is to call 9-1-1. Call whether you're sure you're having a heart attack or not.
Anyone showing heart attack warning signs needs to receive medical treatment right away. Don't wait more than a few minutes—5 minutes at most—to call 9-1-1.
Calling 9-1-1 for an ambulance is the best way to get to the hospital because:
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Emergency medical personnel (also called EMS, for emergency medical services) can begin treatment immediately–even before arrival at the hospital.
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The heart may stop beating during a heart attack. This is called sudden cardiac arrest. Emergency personnel have the equipment needed to start the heart beating again.
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Heart attack patients who arrive by ambulance tend to receive faster treatment on their arrival at the hospital.
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If for some reason, you are having heart attack symptoms and cannot call 9-1-1, have someone else drive you at once to the hospital. Never drive yourself to the hospital, unless you absolutely have no other choice.
Test Yourself:
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