At 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at the Boothbay Fire House, Dr. Steve Cook will lead an interactive talk to educate us about what to do when we feel chest pain and/or respiratory distress.

Should we go to the emergency room? Should we call 911? What will happen to us if we do? Or don’t?

Dr. Cook wants to help us understand when and why chest pain is an emergency, and which symptoms should prompt us to call 911 and to go to the emergency room. He’ll explain what tests you’ll be given for chest pain and how to understand the results. He’ll describe everything from normal results after testing to getting emergency care for heart attacks. Cook will also offer tips and advice for what you can do as an “Empowered Patient” to manage your condition(s) and stay out of the ER and avoid hospitalization.

Cook practiced as an ER physician at St. Andrews Hospital for many years. He practiced in Bangor as a peripheral vascular surgeon for 17 years. He is currently serving as an ER physician on an Indian Reservation in Arizona. Cook is a resident of East Boothbay and a native Mainer, having grown up in Tenants Harbor, the son of a lobsterman.

A potluck will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by the forum from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Bring a dish to share or simply enjoy the hospitality of the wellness foundation and the Empowered Patients’ group, the sponsors of this event.