If you think you're having a heart attack, DO NOT DRIVE YOURSELF TO THE HOSPITAL OR DOCTOR. Instead, call 9-1-1 before it's too late. It's almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment and with the Dothan Fire Department's new 12-lead EKG technology, paramedics can provide more detailed patient information to hospital physicians and help reduce the time between a patient’s arrival in the emergency department to cardiac intervention, such as a coronary angioplasty.

Plan what to do ahead of time in case of a heart attack -- it could save your life or someone else’s. We recommend the following steps as part of your plan:

   1. Learn the signs of a heart attack and know the differences in symptoms between men and women.
   2. Ask your doctor whether you are at risk for a heart attack and what you can do about it. Ask if you should take aspirin and/or nitroglycerin if you begin having chest pain.
   3. Talk with your family members, friends and coworkers about the heart attack warning signs and the importance of acting quickly.
   4. Discuss the benefits of calling 911.