When to Call 9-1-1: Fact #24

Would you be able to tell if someone was having a heart attack, stroke, or was in cardiac arrest? If you spot any of these signs provided by the American Heart Association, call 9-1-1 immediately! It's always better to be too safe than sorry.

Heart Attack:

• Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the middle of the chest.
• Similar pain in the arms, neck, jaw, back, or stomach.
• Shortness of breath.
• Cold sweat.
• Nausea.
• Lightheaded.

Stroke:

• Drooping face, especially on one side.
• Arm weakness on one side -- if both arms are raised, one will droop.
• Suddenly slurred speech.

Cardiac Arrest:

• Sudden loss of responsiveness.
• Does not react to tap on the shoulder.
• Victim does not take a normal breath when you tilt their head up and wait for at least 5 seconds.

In these situations, minutes matter! The priority is to get these victims health right away by calling 9-1-1.