9-1-1: Rapid identification and treatment of acute myocardial infarction

The sooner a person who is experiencing symptoms and signs of an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (including out-of-hospital cardiac arrest) receives medical treatment, the greater his or her chances of survival and limitation of infarct size. A universal 9-1-1 emergency telephone system makes it possible for AMI patients or those around them to easily and quickly call for help and for emergency medical services (EMS) personnel to rapidly and accurately locate the patient. This article by the Access to Care Subcommittee of the National Heart Attack Alert Program (NHAAP) Coordinating Committee describes the history of 9-1-1, its key elements, its current implementation status, and existing State legislation and standards. Currently, approximately 78% of the United States population, mainly in urban areas, has access to a 9-1-1 system. Approximately 195 United States cities with a population of greater than 100,000 people have access to enhanced 9-1-1. It is the contention of the NHAAP that 9-1-1 services should be universally available to all Americans to ensure seamless access to EMS and, potentially, early detection, evaluation, and treatment for AMI. This article reports several key recommendations for achieving this goal.