“There is nothing more dreadful than the habit of doubt[…].…It is a thorn that irritates and hurts; it is a sword that kills.” –Buddha
As I am writing this article, I’m thinking back to exactly 25 years ago today. Tomorrow is my son Jordan’s 25th birthday. I am filled with joy and am proud of the person that my child has become, but it also fills me with sadness remembering that day in some ways. I was just a kid myself when I had Jordan and I remember when my water broke, being very scared and not having a ride to get to the hospital. I was embarrassed and didn’t know for sure if it was really time to go… so I went to bed. Luckily, I was able to get a ride the next morning, and Jordan was born later that day and I didn’t end up having him at home. However, because of my embarrassment and self-doubt, not wanting to go to the hospital in case it wasn’t really time and looking like a fool, I unknowingly put my baby at risk. My doctor was furious with me when I told her when my water had broken and because of my shame, I didn’t tell her I didn’t have a ride to get there. In hindsight it’s easy to say I should have called an ambulance (or drove myself, because I had drove myself home early that day when I started not feeling well), but at the time I really was filled with uncertainty.
The reason I am sharing this is I want to talk about calling 911 when you have signs of a heart attack. The American Heart Association has launched the “Don’t Die of Doubt” campaign, encouraging folks to call 911 at the first signs of a heart attack. They urge you to trust 911 and explain how your chance for survival is far greater if you call 911. Don’t ignore the symptoms, don’t drive yourself. I understand! A lot of you are like me and are embarrassed. Or you don’t want to spend the money for an ambulance ride. Maybe you just can’t believe it could happen to you, or you are a parent trying to take care of everyone else before you take care of yourself.
If you call 911, they can start treatment right away and greatly increase your likeliness of survival. If they come out and you are fine, you don’t have to accept the ride to a hospital. However, if you do need to be transported, 911 will know which hospital to take you to for care. Every minute counts.
Following is information directly from the American Heart Association, Don’t Die of Doubt campaign.
Know the signs of a heart attack:
• Chest discomfort
• Discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach
• Shortness of breath
• Breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness
There is no time for doubt with a heart attack. Calling 911 at the first signs of a heart attack could save your life. Reducing time to medical treatment is the primary factor in surviving a heart attack. Calling 911 is the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment.
The EMS team knows what to do. They understand the situation and have the equipment and training to treat your heart attack first.
Reducing time to treatment is the #1 factor in saving lives in heart attack situations and calling 911 is almost always the fast way to get lifesaving treatment.
For more information, go to:
www.DontDieofDoubt.com
Liz Jones is the Wellness Coordinator for the City of Mesquite and a wellness professional in Rockwall, Mesquite, Wylie and surrounding areas. She is a writer, certified yoga instructor, personal trainer and wellness coach. She holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and Strategic Management, with a graduate certificate in Ethics and Leadership. Her undergraduate studies included communication, business, writing, art, fitness, and dance. Liz Jones can be reached at: [email protected].