Knowing Your Emergencies And When To Dial 911
The numbers 9-1-1 is a phone number we have all been taught back in the very first years of school. Of course 911 is there to help you with all your emergency needs but there are some cases 911 is not needed. What we were not taught growing up is when it is the proper time to call 9-1-1 and for what kind of emergencies. 911 is very important to call when someone is experiencing a stroke or a heart attack. in the year 2012 20% of all emergency room visits were for some kind of circulatory or neurological issue this includes heart attacks and strokes.
Identifying a Stroke with FAST Method
When identifying a stroke just remember the word FAST.
• The F stands for face. Check the persons face; does he or she have a droop to one side of her smile?
• The A stands for arms. When arms are raised does one have a downward drift?
• the S stands for speech. Can the person talk normally or is there speech slurred or abnormal?
• The T stands for time. If the first three symptoms are there then immediately call 911 to prevent further or permanent damage.
According to the Menorah Medical Center, which is a certified center for strokes, they say 3 minutes is equal to the average of arrival to times of triage.
Identifying a Heart Attack
When identifying a heart attack look for these following signs.
• Having shortness of breath and not doing anything, especially if chest pains are present.
• Chest pains that are recurring or saying the chest feels tight with pain and pressure.
• Complaining of pain in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
• Additional symptoms include nausea, cold sweats, feeling light headed, or dizzy.
If he or she is experiencing some or all of these symptoms it is possible they are experiencing a heart attack and 911 needs called immediately.
Statistics of Emergency Visits
According to Menorah Medical Center, which is also an accredited chest pain center, 38% of all emergency room visits related to heart attacks are people that are 65 years old or older. The average age for males to experience their first heart attack is the age of 66. The average age for females to experience their first heart attack is the age of 70.
Other Reasons to Call 911
911 should be called for other emergencies not just strokes or heart attacks. Other reasons 911 may be need to be called is if there is excessive bleeding that will not stop, bones that have been broken and the wounds are visible, a person choking, if a person has over dosed on drugs or if someone is experiencing a heat stroke. Of course there are many more reasons than this, just remember if there is any doubt call 911 just to be safe. Better safe the sorry!