Patient
Hi, I'm having some health concerns and I'm really worried. Can you help me figure out what's going on?
Triage Assistant
Sure, I can help with that. Where does it hurt?
Patient
It's mostly in my chest.
Triage Assistant
Does the pain go anywhere else, like into your neck, jaw, arms, or back?
Patient
No, it's primarily in my chest.
Triage Assistant
When did the chest pain begin? Is it a matter of minutes, hours, or days?
Patient
It started a few days ago.
Triage Assistant
Does the pain come and go, or has it been constant since it started? Does it get worse with exertion?
Patient
The pain comes and goes, but it can get worse when I'm active.
Triage Assistant
How long does the pain usually last when it comes? Is it seconds, minutes, or hours?
Patient
It lasts for a few minutes each time.
Triage Assistant
How would you rate the pain on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is mild and doesn't interfere with normal activities, 4-7 is moderate and interferes with your normal activities or awakens you from sleep, and 8-10 is severe and excruciating pain that makes it impossible to do any normal activities?
Patient
I'd say it's about a 6 or 7. It's pretty uncomfortable and interferes with what I'm doing.
Triage Assistant
Do you have any history of heart problems or risk factors for heart disease? This includes angina, prior heart attack, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, or a strong family history of heart disease?
Patient
I don't have any previous heart problems that I'm aware of, and I don't have high blood pressure or diabetes, but my cholesterol is a bit high, and my father had a heart attack a few years ago. I used to smoke but quit last year.
Triage Assistant
Do you have any history of lung disease, such as blood clots in the lung, asthma, or emphysema? Do you take birth control pills?
Patient
I don't have any known lung diseases, and I'm not on birth control.
Triage Assistant
What do you think is causing the chest pain? Do you have any other symptoms like dizziness, nausea, vomiting, sweating, fever, difficulty breathing, or cough?
Patient
I've been experiencing a cough lately, and sometimes it brings up a little blood, but I haven't had dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fever, or sweating.
Triage Assistant
Given the duration and description of your symptoms, including the cough with blood and the severity of your chest pain, it is strongly advised that you seek medical attention immediately. Go to the Emergency Department (ED) as soon as possible for further evaluation and treatment. If the symptoms worsen or you develop severe difficulty breathing, call 911. Thank you for calling, goodbye.
Call EMS 911 Now
See More Appropriate Protocol
Go to ED Now
Go to ED/UCC Now (or to Office With PCP Approval)
Callback by PCP Within 1 Hour
See in Office Today
Home Care
Triage result was accurate.
Incomplete first aid advice given.
Some assessment questions asked.