A STAGGERING 43% of people in the Yorkshire and Humber region say they would not call 999 first if they suspected they were having a heart attack, a British Heart Foundation (BHF) survey revealed.
More worryingly, 63% say they would call somebody else before making an emergency call if they were experiencing chest pain - the main symptom of a heart attack.
The statistics are part of the 'Doubt Kills' campaign, which aims to reduced death and disability caused by heart disease.
BHF medical director Peter Weissberg said: "These statistics portray a very worrying, and perhaps very British, reluctance to call 999, even for the most serious of emergencies.
"Every second counts when you are having a heart attack and the quicker you call 999, the greater your chances of survival.
"Too many people waste vital minutes questioning their symptoms."
"Our message is if you're suffering chest pain, call 999 immediately, because doubt kills."
