Urgent situations
Chest pain or stroke warning signs (call 911)
These symptoms are emergencies. This page is a quick reminder of what to do and what not to do.
Quick checklist
- Call 911 immediately for chest pain, trouble breathing, or stroke signs.
- Do not drive them yourself if symptoms are severe—EMS can start care on the way.
- Note the time symptoms started (or last known well).
- Bring a medication list and allergies if you can.
Stroke warning signs (FAST)
- Face drooping
- Arm weakness
- Speech difficulty
- Time to call 911
Do not do
- Don’t wait to “see if it passes.” Minutes matter.
- Don’t give food or drink if swallowing is affected.
- Don’t give aspirin unless a clinician/dispatcher instructs you (some strokes are bleeding).
What to tell the dispatcher
- Age, symptoms, when it started, existing conditions (heart disease, stroke history), and current meds.
- If they are on blood thinners, say so.