Emergency heart and stroke care studied; Washington State recommends system changes

"Many people in Washington state die or are disabled from heart attacks and strokes because they don't get life-saving treatment. Fewer than three percent of people suffering the most common kind of stroke get the best treatment for that type of stroke. And less than half of all people who have a heart attack are treated with the most effective heart attack intervention. 'We've got to get people to recognize symptoms of heart attack and stroke and convince them to take it seriously. Often they have symptoms and don't call 9-1-1,' said Secretary of Health Mary Selecky. 'Each minute is critical for stroke and heart attack treatment.' A report just released by the Washington State Department of Health, Emergency Cardiac and Stroke Care in Washington, explains why many people don’t get life-saving treatments. The report also discusses system changes needed because emergency response varies widely statewide."