Ask the Experts - What if the person does not want me to call 911?

What should I do if a person is having chest pain but doesn't want me to call 911?

Trust your judgement. If you believe there is a problem - there very often is! If the chest pain continues and if you are seeing the 5 Ps of chest pain (pain, pale skin, puffing, pooped, puking), there probably is something wrong. Talk to the person with pain and explain why you are concerned. Talk to others around you who might help the person decide to seek help. But finally, remember that denial is common when people have heart attacks. If you think there is a problem, take charge and insist on getting medical help. Call 911. Recognize and React to avoid having to Resuscitate.

-- Lib Mendoça, Instructor/Instructor Trainer, St. John Ambulance - Ottawa