By Kim Painter, USA TODAY
If you think you are having symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, the best thing to do is to:
• Lie down for a while and see if you feel better.
• Call a friend or family member to see what they think.
• Call your doctor’s office.
• Drive yourself to an emergency room.
• Have someone else drive you.
• Call 911.
People do all of the above, but calling 911 is the best choice by far, experts say. The emergency medical technicians who respond are trained to assess and treat patients right away. They also provide the quickest route through hospital doors and into the hands of doctors and nurses at a time when mere minutes can determine life or death, recovery or lasting disability.
But the simple message to “call 911″ clearly needs more attention. The latest evidence: Just over half of women surveyed by the American Heart Association said they would do so if they thought they were having a heart attack.
usatoday.com