Won't we give way to save lives?

I read yesterday's article in the Straits Times "Heart attack outside hospital: You have 2.7% chance to live" with surprise and disgust.

My Grandaunt who recently survived a massive heart attack can surely count her lucky stars because she was among the less than 3 people out of 100 who survived a heart attack at home.

What i was disgusted about are some of the reasons why paramedics were delayed getting to the heart attack victims. Not surprisingly, people who refused to give way to ambulance even under the full blare of the siren and flashing lights. What was even more disgusting are people who refused to get out of lifts so that paramedics could get in quickly with the stretchers to reach the victims quickly! What could be people be thinking about when they do so? Perhaps, "my time is more important than saving lives?"

What can be done to up the chance of survival? I personally support having more AEDs in more public places. Personally, I am motivated to refresh my knowledge in CPR so that I will be of use when the need arise. Also what Dr fatimah from SGH said in the Straits times is a simple and practical one, "hold open the lift door in anticipation of the arrival of the ambulance and paramedics", the few minutes saved can mean the difference between life and death.

Perhaps, the best chance of survival is avoid getting a heart attack in the first instance. It starts with our diet and watch stress in our lives.