Emergency Medical Conditions Requiring Immediate Attention

Specific Conditions Requiring 911 Activation

The American Heart Association recommends calling 911 immediately for chest pain or discomfort that is unimproved or worsening after 5 minutes, as this could represent a heart attack requiring rapid medical intervention 1, 2
For patients with suspected heart attack, the American College of Cardiology recommends taking aspirin (162-325 mg, chewed) if no contraindications exist, while waiting for EMS 1, 5
The American Heart Association recommends calling 911 immediately for any signs of stroke, including facial drooping, arm weakness, or speech difficulties 1
For patients with suspected anaphylaxis or severe allergic reaction, the American Heart Association recommends calling 911 immediately and administering epinephrine if prescribed, while waiting for EMS 1, 5
For patients with diabetes, the American Diabetes Association recommends calling 911 immediately if the person is unconscious, having seizures, or unable to follow simple commands or swallow safely 1, 5

Healthcare providers should actively discuss with patients their heart attack risk and how to recognize symptoms of acute coronary syndrome, and advise patients to call 911 if symptoms are unimproved or worsening after 5 minutes 2
The American Heart Association recommends that healthcare providers create a specific action plan with patients for recognizing and responding to potential cardiac events, including the number to call (911) 2

Patients transported by EMS have shorter time to treatment and better outcomes, with approximately 1 in 300 patients with chest pain transported by private vehicle suffering cardiac arrest en route 8, 1
EMS personnel can perform life-saving interventions if cardiac arrest occurs, and can perform pre-hospital ECGs, which are associated with shorter reperfusion times and lower mortality rates 9, 8

The American Heart Association recommends that all communities have a written protocol guiding EMS personnel in determining where to take patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome 10
Patients with known STEMI and/or cardiogenic shock should be transported directly to hospitals with interventional and surgical capability, according to the American College of Cardiology 10