When speaking with a caller experiencing a heart attack, what is the most important information an EMD should provide?

The most important information an Emergency Medical Dispatcher should provide to a caller experiencing a heart attack is immediate actions for the caller to take. This guidance is critical because it can significantly influence the outcome for the patient. In situations involving a heart attack, time is of the essence, and the caller may need to act quickly to ensure their safety and well-being.

Providing specific actions, such as instructing the caller to chew Aspirin if appropriate, to call for help, or to perform CPR if the person is unresponsive and not breathing, can help maintain circulation and could potentially save a life. In many cases, callers may not know what to do or may feel overwhelmed, so clear, direct instructions help alleviate confusion and provide the best chance for survival until professional medical help arrives.

While information on nearby hospitals or heart disease can be relevant in different contexts, they do not address the immediate needs of the caller in a critical emergency situation. Similarly, while staying calm is important, it is more beneficial to empower the caller with actionable steps to take during the heart attack event.