This article originally appeared on wric.com
The Richmond Ambulance Authority analyzed data that has the agency concerned people are waiting too long to call 911 and it may be costing some people irreparable harm or their lives.
RAA told 8News that the call volume is down about 20% compared to last year around this time. However, cardiac arrests are up in the City of Richmond by 30%.
“What we’re seeing is patients that have chest pain, or having a cardiac event or having a stroke are waiting too long,” RAA Chief Operating Officer Michael Colman said.
The ambulance authority said they are concerned people with heart attack symptoms are afraid of COVID-19 in hospitals that they are not calling 9-1-1. Don’t hesitate to call if you are experiencing serious symptoms. It is still safe to call 9-1-1 and be transported to a hospital during an emergency.
