Workplace Implementation of Act in Time

The Montana Department of Public Heath and Human Services adaptation of the Act in Time campaign, developed by the National Institute of Health, provides information on the warning signs of heart attack and the importance of calling 911 for emergency medical services. Early recognition of the signs and symptoms of a heart attack can lead to reduced morbidity and mortality. Through the program, employees receive Act in Time brochures and wallet cards with their pay stubs, Act in Time posters are hung in public areas of the workplace, and employees receive weekly e-mail messages and contest questions addressing the signs and symptoms of heart attack. Participants who answer questions correctly are included in weekly drawings for prizes.

The goal of the Act in Time campaign is to increase awareness to the signs and symptoms of heart attack and the need to call 911 for emergency medical services.

In a pre- and post-intervention survey, awareness of heart attack signs and symptoms and the need to call 911 increased significantly among employees. At baseline 69% of respondents correctly reported five or more of the signs and symptoms of a heart attack, 89% reported correctly at follow-up. Participants increased awareness of the following signs: pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back (from 69% to 91%) and feeling weak, light-headed, or faint (from 79% to 89%). Awareness of the need to call 911 if someone is having a heart attack or stroke increased from 84% to 90%. One third of employees participated in email contests.