How Do You Know When To Call 911?
Although many of today’s senior adults are healthier and more active than in the past, they constantly need to be aware of the health and safety risks they face. If you or someone in your household experiences chest pains, has difficulty breathing or is bleeding profusely, the situation could be life threatening. You should call 911 immediately, even before contacting a family member. Don’t wait for symptoms to disappear by themselves. Waiting and watching usually will not make symptoms go away. A lot of older people tend to take the wait-and-see approach, hoping that symptoms will get better and no medical treatment will be needed. However, time is crucial when dealing with heart attack and stroke. The longer you delay seeking medical attention, the lower your chance of surviving may be. Call for help without delay if you experience sudden shortness of breath, squeezing pain or uncomfortable pressure in the chest, severe palpitations, or pain spreading to the shoulders, neck or arms.
