King County Fire sees troubling drop in 911 calls for serious health problems

King County fire departments and emergency medical services have seen a 25% drop in the number of emergency phone calls to 911 during the COVID-19 pandemic, including for heart attacks and other serious health conditions.

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Medical professionals are concerned that people may be hesitant to call 911, including when experiencing symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, for fear of contracting the virus or overwhelming the health care system.

Medical providers, emergency rooms, and hospitals are prepared to respond to all medical emergencies, virus-related or not. First responders may be wearing more protective equipment than usual, but their ability to respond has not changed because of the pandemic.

“Our EMTs and paramedics are available to help, and our hospitals have process and procedures in place to safely and efficiently isolate suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients. Persons experiencing life-threatening medical emergencies should call 911 to receive the treatment they need,” said King County EMS Medical Director Dr. Thomas Rea.

There has also been an increase in calls where people have died prior to receiving medical attention. Cause of death is ultimately determined by the County’s Medical Examiner, but fire department crews in the region have seen an approximate 10% increase in persons deceased upon arrival.

“One explanation for the decrease in calls for STEMI heart attacks and increase in DOA calls is that people with serious medical emergencies may be apprehensive to call 911 during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Seattle Fire Department Medical Director Dr. Michael Sayre. “We want people to call 911 immediately if they have any symptoms of heart attack or stroke. If you are having chest pain, or suddenly develop face, arm, or leg weakness or difficulty speaking, please do not wait to call 911.”

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Social distancing and emergency orders in King County and statewide have helped to reduce the impact on fire departments and emergency services.

“We have all worked together to establish procedures to keep our personnel and the patients we treat safe and we are here to serve the community,” said Chief Matthew Morris, president of King County Fire Chiefs Association.

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