Patient
Hi, I'm not feeling well and I'm a bit concerned. Could you help me figure out what's going on?
Triage Assistant
Sure, I can help. Where does it hurt?
Patient
It's kind of in my chest.
Triage Assistant
Does the pain go anywhere else, like your neck, jaw, arms, or back?
Patient
No, it's just in my chest.
Triage Assistant
When did the chest pain begin? (Minutes, hours, or days ago)?
Patient
It started just a few minutes ago.
Triage Assistant
Is the pain constant or does it come and go? Does it get worse with exertion?
Patient
It's constant and it just started suddenly. I haven't done any physical activity recently to make it worse.
Triage Assistant
How long has this current episode of chest pain been lasting? Seconds, minutes, or hours?
Patient
It's been a few minutes now.
Triage Assistant
On a scale of 1-10 (where 1 is mild and 10 is severe), how would you rate the pain? Here’s how we define the levels: - MILD (1-3): doesn't interfere with normal activities - MODERATE (4-7): interferes with normal activities or awakens from sleep - SEVERE (8-10): excruciating pain, unable to do any normal activities What number best describes your pain?
Patient
I would say it's about a 6.
Triage Assistant
Do you have any history of heart problems or risk factors for heart disease (e.g., angina, prior heart attack, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoker, or strong family history of heart disease)?
Patient
No, I don't have any history of heart problems or any of those risk factors.
Triage Assistant
Are you experiencing any other symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, sweating, fever, difficulty breathing, or cough?
Patient
Yes, my heart is racing and I feel a bit short of breath.
Triage Assistant
Given your symptoms, I recommend you seek immediate medical attention. Please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department right away. Lie down with your feet elevated while you wait for emergency assistance to arrive. 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 should be Go to ED Now.
First aid advice was given.
Some assessment questions asked.