Tools to Prepare and Protect North Central Texans Before Disaster Strikes.
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CPR AWARENESS

There is a very good chance that you know someone with heart disease. It is also quite likely that you will personally witness a heart attack in your lifetime. Without Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), a person with a heart attack may have as little as a 1 in 20 chance of survival. If you perform CPR until Emergency Medical Service) arrives, that person's chance of survival may increase to as much as 1 in 4. While CPR is only indicated in the most severe type of heart attack, you can clearly see the tremendous payoff in learning this life-saving procedure.

Do YOU know what to do for a heart attack or choking victim?

Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation is a simple skill that is easily learned in a one session class sponsored by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. In CPR, mouth-to-mouth breathing and rhythmic chest compressions are used to supply oxygen to the brain and other vital organs of a person whose heart has stopped pumping. This can buy up to 20 minutes of time until Advanced Life Support measures can be administered by Paramedics. Worldwide, in thousands of cases every year, CPR from bystanders is credited as making the difference between life and death. The sooner CPR is started, the greater the chances for survival. Unfortunately, many people who have been trained in CPR are reluctant to administer it for fear of doing it wrong. It is important to remember that when indicated: Good CPR is better than bad CPR, but even bad CPR is a million times -better- than no CPR at all!

Many people express a concern about the risk of HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases when performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. This is an understandable concern which has to be weighed in each case individually. Most layperson CPR however, is performed on a close friend or loved one. The background health history and risk factors will usually be known to the rescuer. Abolishing myths and minimizing any actual or perceived risks associated with CPR is a core element in most training classes.

CPR can not only be used when heart attacks strike, but may save victims of drowning, electrocution, suffocation and drug overdose. CPR not only saves lives, but provides peace of mind during and after an emergency. People often feel helpless when they witness a heart attack, but with CPR training, you will know exactly what to do. Regardless of the outcome, you will know that every possible measure had been taken to assist the person in need. You are likely to find this reassuring during what may be an otherwise difficult time. It's simple to learn more about American Red Cross CPR and First Aid Training. The cost is minimal, and most training can be completed in a single session!

Residents can easily register for CPR and First Aid classes offered by your local Chapter of the American Red Cross at their many Service Centers located throughout our community.

SIGNALS OF A HEART ATTACK

Persistent chest pain or discomfort: Victim may have persistent pressure, squeezing, or crushing type pain in the chest that is not relieved by resting, changing positions, or medication. Pain may spread to jaw, neck, or arms.

Difficulty breathing: Victim may feel short of breath or is breathing faster than normal.

Abnormal skin appearance: Victim's skin may be pale, ashen (gray), or bluish in color. Victim's skin may also feel cool and moist.

Dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting

Nausea and/or vomiting

Note: Not all of these signals occur in every heart attack. If you are with someone having "signals", expect denial. Insist on calling 9-1-1.

CARE FOR A HEART ATTACK

Recognize the signals of a heart attack.

Remain calm (you'll do great!). Have the victim stop activity and rest comfortably (place them in a position of comfort). Quickly confirm information about the victim's current condition (awake? breathing? symptoms?).

Call 9-1-1 immediately. Answer all of the 9-1-1 Dispatcher's questions as accurately as possible. Closely follow any instructions given by the 9-1-1 Dispatcher. Do not hang up until the 9-1-1 Dispatcher says to. Stay with and reassure the victim. Assist with medication, if prescribed for the victim. Monitor the victim's condition closely. Be prepared to give CPR, if necessary. (Please know, that no matter what the outcome, you did the best you could.)

FIVE STEPS OF CPR

Make sure you and the scene are SAFE.

ASSESS: Shout and tap or gently shake. If victim is unresponsive, call 9-1-1.
POSITION: victim on their back, remove pillows from behind the head, open the airway using head-tilt/chin-lift method.
CHECK FOR BREATHING: Look, Listen, and Feel for five seconds. If victim is not breathing, give two slow breaths.
CHECK CAROTID PULSE: (or brachial pulse on infant) for five to ten seconds. If victim has no pulse, begin chest compressions. Chest compressions are more effective if the victim is on a solid surface like the floor, not on a bed or sofa.
RECHECK PULSE AND BREATHING: after one minute. If there is still no pulse, continue cycles uninterrupted until medical help arrives.
Note: If for whatever reason you are uncomfortable with mouth-to-mouth breathing, at the very least do chest compressions until help arrives.

FIRST AID FOR CHOKING

CONSCIOUS (Awake) ADULT: If the victim cannot cough, speak, or breathe at all, have someone call 9-1-1. Stand behind and wrap your arms around the victim. Place the thumb side of your fist on the middle of their abdomen, just above their navel. Grasp that fist with your other hand and give quick forceful upward thrusts into their abdomen until the object is coughed up or the victim becomes unconscious.

UNCONSCIOUS (Not Awake) ADULT: Have someone call 9-1-1. Position the victim on their back. Remove all pillows from behind the head. Open their airway using the head-tilt/chin-lift method. Attempt to give breaths. If unsuccessful, reattempt the head-tilt/chin-lift procedure and blow more forcefully. You may be able to blow past the object. If air won't go in, place the heel of one hand against the middle of their abdomen, just above the navel. Give up to five abdominal thrusts. Then, lift their jaw and tongue and sweep out their mouth. Tilt head back, lift chin, and give breaths again. Repeat breaths, thrusts, and sweeps until breaths go in. Once breaths go in, check victims breathing and pulse. If there is no breathing and no pulse, start CPR.

HOW TO REDUCE YOUR RISK OF A HEART ATTACK

There are several ways to reduce the risk of a heart attack and stroke. Following this advice could save your life (or the life of someone you love).

Don't Smoke Cigarettes and Avoid Inhaling the Smoke of Others. Cigarette smoking is the most important single cause of preventable death in the United States.

Exercise Regularly. Participate in continuous, vigorous physical activity for at least 20 to 30 minutes (or more) at least three times a week.

Maintain Proper Weight and Eat Nutritious Food in Moderate Amounts. Eat a well-balanced diet that's low in cholesterol and saturated fats, and moderate in sodium (salt). Fatty foods contribute to atherosclerosis which is a major contributor to heart attacks. Eating too much sodium can also cause high blood pressure in some people.

Have Your Blood Pressure Checked Regularly and Have Regular Medical Check-Ups. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can damage blood vessels in the heart and other organs.

For more information visit the American Heart Association
HTTP://WWW.AMERICANHEART.ORG