It was 2:30 in the morning when Don Sprague told his wife Mary he wasn't feeling well. When arm numbness joined the pressure in his chest, Don and Mary made the decision to drive to the hospital. Almost an hour had passed. Upon arrival at the hospital, Don was given an EKG and told he was having a heart attack. Don states, "I felt like I was in shock. Doctors came in to talk to me twice and I don't even remember. Thank God my wife Mary was with me. She was able to answer their questions and truly was my advocate."

When Mary shares her memories of the fateful night from a few months ago, she states, "God's hand was present." As retired police officers, their immediate response to the crisis was to take business into their own hands and just "get to the hospital." However, Mary learned from hospital personnel that the better course of action would have been to call 911. When the 911 system is activated for a cardiac emergency, a cardiac team is on-hand to meet the ambulance versus having to wait precious moments for a cardiac team to assemble.

Although Don's situation had a positive outcome, it is best not to take the chance. If you think you are having a heart attack, call 911.