Don't Delay... Call 911
Timely treatment can mean the difference between returning to work or becoming permanently disabled, and even between life and death. Calling 911 when you or someone else is experiencing heart attack or stroke symptoms can make all the difference
When Time Matters
Take an ambulance, not your car! Calling 911 is almost always the fastest way to get life-saving treatment. Emergency medical services staff can begin treatment as soon as they arrive. If you experience or witness any of the symptoms listed below, call 911 immediately!
Signs & Symptoms of a Stroke
- One-sided weakness or numbness in face, arm or leg
- Sudden confusion or garbled speech
- Sudden change in vision
- Sudden severe headache
- Difficulty with balance or coordination
Stroke symptoms constitute an emergency... Remember to BE FAST:
"B" - Balance
Is the person suddenly having trouble with balance or coordination?
"E" - Eyes
Is the person experiencing suddenly blurred or double vision or a sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes without pain?
"F" - Face Drooping
Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile.
"A"- Arm Weakness
Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
"S" - Speech Difficulty
Is speech slurred, are they unable to speak, or are they hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence like, “The sky is blue.” Is the sentence repeated correctly?
"T" - Time to call 911
If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 911 and get them to the hospital immediately
Signs & Symptoms of a Heart Attack
It is important to note that the signs and symptoms of a heart attack differ between men and women. Remember... treatment starts when the emergency medical professionals arrive. Call "911" instead of driving yourself or a loved one to the hospital.
MEN
- Chest discomfort
- Arm, back, neck or jaw pain
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating, nausea
- Lightheadedness
WOMEN
- Chest, jaw, neck & shoulder pain
- Nausea, indigestion & stomach pain
- Unusual fatigue
- Dizziness and/or lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
At the ACMH Emergency Department, We're Ready for You!
If you or someone around you is experiencing heart attack symptoms—such as chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, or lightheadedness—it's critical to call 911 instead of trying to drive to the hospital. Time is of the essence during a heart attack, and emergency medical services (EMS) can reach you faster and more safely than you can get to a hospital on your own.
Driving yourself or someone else in this situation is dangerous, as symptoms can worsen quickly, leading to a sudden loss of consciousness or control behind the wheel. Calling 911 ensures that trained professionals are on their way immediately, and every second saved can make a life-or-death difference.
Once the ambulance arrives, paramedics begin providing life-saving care on the spot. They are trained to assess the severity of the heart attack, administer oxygen, start an IV, monitor heart rhythms, and even deliver medications like aspirin or nitroglycerin. Crucially, they also communicate directly with the teams at ACMH on route to the hospital, alerting them to prepare for your arrival. This coordination allows the hospital staff to be ready with the right equipment and personnel the moment you arrive, significantly speeding up treatment. These steps greatly increase your chances of survival and reduce the risk of long-term heart damage.