Through July, MedStar’s responses for patient cardiac arrest victims (patients whose heart has stopped beating and require CPR on scene) are up 65% compared to July 2019.
Responses in which a patient was found by MedStar crews to be in cardiac arrest increased by 65% in July 2020 compared to July 2019. Of the patients found to be in cardiac arrest, patients with whom resuscitation efforts were terminated on-scene by MedStar crews increased 79%
MedStar data also shows the median time a patient experienced heart attack symptoms prior to calling 911 doubled from 1 hour in March and April, to 2 hours in July.
Area healthcare leaders remind everyone that it is very safe to call 9-1-1, or go to the hospital for acute medical problems. Hospitals have taken numerous steps to assure patient safety and EMS crews are well prepared to safely intervene for serious medical issues.
We continue to be concerned that our data seems to indicate that people may be waiting too long to call 911, or seek medical care. EMS systems, hospitals and the emergency departments focus constantly on infection control. Rest assured, it is safe to seek emergency medical care with no fear of contracting COVID-19. Make the call, as we are all here to serve you with safe medical diagnoses and treatment.
Don’t be scared to death! For information on the signs of heart attack and stroke, click here.
