Try to get to A&E/wait for 111/wait for ambulance

[Agent1]

My Mum is 66 and is having severe chest pain. She has had some tests done in the last few months but doesn't have results yet. I've just come over and chatting and she suddenly said she had a bad pain. I've called 999 and they've arranged an ambulance. The problem is that she's now saying she's weak and tired. I called 999 back and they said that they can't give advice and to call 111. I'm hold for the past 21 minutes to 111 but haven't spoken to anyone yet. I'm utterly torn as to whether to try to get us both a taxi to A&E and try to queue (she's lying down and extremely weak) or to wait for 111 advice or to wait on an ambulance? She has taken paracetamol. I honestly don't know what to do.

I'd try and get her to A&E if you can. I'm sorry OP. It must be awful.

The pain is across the front of her chest and when she was brighter earlier she said it was like labour pains and comes and goes.

Go straight to a&e if ambulance is going to be too long if you can

Get a taxi to a&e. Probably be quicker than an ambulance. Make sure to cancel the ambulance though.

I'd take her in a car to A&E. I really hope she is ok.

Have 999 said how long they will be?

If not in the next 10 or so minutes, then would get a taxi.

Has she any aspirin? Might be good to take half a one if you suspect heart issues.

Also it might be worth taking a few Rennies in case it’s heartburn.

And then I’d try and get an ETA on the ambulance. If you can get her to A&E quicker than it can get to you, then I’d get a taxi to A&E.

I'd be taking her to A&E as quickly as you can. You may be prioritised once you get there so not too long to queue. (What did the ambulance control say? Are they busy tonight? As others have said if you can get a car there cancel the ambulance.)

well she has ruled out one option as she is refusing to budge.

They said 2 hours and 10 minutes in our area.

Oh no. Try an aspirin, I’m wrong, it’s a whole one, not a half.

I’d go straight to a&e. Don’t bother with 111, they’d only send an ambulance, but it would take longer to have that conversation and you’ve already called for one. I really hope she’s ok

Ambulance doesn't guarantee jumping the queue. If you can get there under your own steam I'd do that.

Get her told that you have to go now.

If she’s having a heart attack or something. this is the golden hour to get her to a and e.

It would be hard taking her yourself. You’ve got to get her there, out of the car, walk her in. Last week there were 20 people queueing to get to reception. We waited five hours in the ambulance to get seen, but at least they’ve defibs etc there.

Try to lie her down and make her comfortable. Do you know CPR if the worst comes to the worst?

www.nhs.uk/conditions/heart-attack/

Here’s the info about the aspirin SheWoreYellow suggested - v good idea!

And do you know where your nearest defibrillator is? If you are going to wait, the ambulance service can tell you the code of the nearest one.

Unless she has a stomach ulcer, then do not give aspirin.
I would not wait 2 hours and would make the decision for her as she is too I’ll to make decisions herself. Get her to the hospital now and good luck.

Is there a defribulator nearby? Might be worth poping a post on your local facebook page to see if anyone first aid trained can help. It sounds like she needs urgent medical attention.

Defibrillator is a good idea!

She is utterly refusing. She seems groggy but fully capable of talking and telling me to go away as she just needs to sleep. I don't know if she has aspirin and she's telling me nothing. She's never sleepy in the middle of the day.

Can you call a private GP for a home visit?

Ring 999 again. Don’t try and take her yourself as if she is having a heart attack and goes unconscious in your car you won’t be able to help her and it will be harder for the ambulance to find you.

What difference will a private GP make? Get her to a&e in whatever way you can OP, taxi, neighbour or whatever. But do let 999 /111 know.

A&E now