Patient
Hi, I'm experiencing some discomfort and I'm not quite sure what to do. Could you please help me?
Triage Assistant
Where does it hurt?
Patient
It's actually in my chest.
Triage Assistant
Does the pain go anywhere else, like your neck, jaw, arms, or back?
Patient
It's mainly in my chest, but I think I might feel a bit of discomfort radiating to my left arm.
Triage Assistant
When did the chest pain begin?
Patient
It started about 10 minutes ago.
Triage Assistant
Is the pain constant since it started, or does it come and go? Does it get worse with exertion?
Patient
It's been fairly constant since it started and doesn't really change with exertion.
Triage Assistant
How long does each episode of pain last? For example, does it last seconds, minutes, or hours?
Patient
This particular episode has been continuous for the last 10 minutes without any breaks.
Triage Assistant
How bad is 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 normal activities or awakens you from sleep, and 8-10 is severe, excruciating pain that makes you unable to do any normal activities?
Patient
I'd say it's around a 6 or 7. It’s definitely making it difficult for me to focus on anything else.
Triage Assistant
Do you have any history of heart problems or risk factors for heart disease? For example, angina, a prior heart attack, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, or a strong family history of heart disease?
Patient
Yes, my family has a history of heart disease.
Triage Assistant
You need to call 911 right now. This could potentially be a heart attack, and you should get immediate medical attention. If there's no allergy to aspirin, you may chew an aspirin (160 to 325 mg) while waiting for the paramedics 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 was accurate.
First aid advice was given.
Some assessment questions asked.