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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 911, have someone
else drive you at once to the hospital. Never drive yourself to the
hospital, unless you absolutely have no other choice.
Do not delay!
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