Don’t be afraid to call 911 for emergency care

Reports suggest that fewer people are going to the hospital with heart attack and stroke symptoms in the past few weeks. Some people may avoid timely care for fear of contracting coronavirus or “burdening” emergency workers and hospital.

The American Heart Association and other leading medical associations have come together to make it clear that calling 911 immediately is still your best chance of surviving or saving a life.

It is still safe for anyone in need of care to go to the hospital. EMS and hospital workers are trained to help you safely and quickly, even during a pandemic. Hospitals are sanitizing, and many have separate facilities and treatment area for coronavirus patients to reduce potential contact.

If you or a loved one experience heart attack warning signs — discomfort in your chest, back, neck, jaw or stomach; shortness of breath; and other possible signs: breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness — call 911.

If you have stroke symptoms, think FAST: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech slurring or other difficulty, then it’s Time to call 911.

When a medical emergency strikes, at anytime don’t delay. Call 911. Get to a hospital.

Robert A. Harrington, president American Heart Association

Athena Poppas, president American College of Cardiology Michelle Albert, president Association of Black Cardiologists Biykem Bozkurt, president

Heart Failure Society of America Andrea M. Russo, president Heart Rhythm Society

James C. Stevens, president American Academy of Neurology Ehtisham Mahmud, president Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions

William Jaquis, president American College of Emergency Physicians