EMS delays for cardiac care more likely in women

In a year-long study conducted in Dallas County, Texas, women who called 911 for suspected heart-related symptoms had a 52 percent greater likelihood of experiencing delays in emergency medical services (EMS) compared with their male counterparts, even after adjusting for a number of factors.

Delays in EMS care “could lead to harm for a patient with serious heart disease,” Dr. Thomas W. Concannon, who led the study, noted in a statement issued by the American Heart Association.

The data stem from an analysis of 5,887 calls made to 911 from January 1 to December 31, 2004, by people with suspected cardiac symptoms, half of whom were women. The area studied is covered by 98 EMS stations and 29 hospitals.