• Sudden cardiac arrest is not the same as a heart attack. Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when electrical impulses in the heart become rapid or chaotic, which causes the heart to suddenly stop beating

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Less than one-third of out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest victims receive bystander CPR.
• Effective bystander CPR, provided immediately after sudden cardiac arrest, can double or triple a victim’s chance of survival.
• The most effective rate for chest compressions is greater than 100 compressions per minute – the same rhythm as the beat of the BeeGee’s song, “Stayin’ Alive.”

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)
• Unless CPR and defibrillation are provided within minutes of collapse, few attempts at resuscitation are successful.

Teens/Youth
• About 5,900 children 18 years old and under suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year from all causes – including trauma, cardiovascular causes and sudden infant death syndrome.
• The incidence of out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest in high school athletes ranges from .28 to 1 death per 100,000 high school athletes annually in the U.S.

CPR Classes – There are a variety of CPR classes available. There are certifying classes for those that need certification for a job, or other specific reason. There are non-certifying classes for those who want to learn how to do CPR to help save a family member or friend. Some CPR class titles include:

Family and Friends CPR

Family and Friends CPR Anytime (A home CPR course. Requires the purchase of a CPR Anytime Kit from American Heart Association)

Heartsaver CPR (Certifying Class, May include AED)

BLS For the Healthcare Provider (Certifying class)
CPR techniques have just changed. The old ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) standards have been replaced with CAB (Circulation, Airway, Breathing) standards. If you are not comfortable or unsure about performing artificial respirations, Hands Only CPR is also an option.

If you are interested in learning CPR, contact John at Siouxland Paramedics, Inc. 712-258-7766, ext. 209, or contact through this website, or contact WITCC EMS Dept. for class offerings.

WARNING SIGNS OF A HEART ATTACK

• Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.

• Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

• Shortness of breath may be present with or without chest discomfort.

• Some other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or light-headedness.

• Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, where no one doubts what’s happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren’t sure what’s wrong and wait too long before getting help.

• Immediately call 9-1-1 or your emergency response number so an ambulance can be sent for you.
  As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women
  are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly
  shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

Learn the signs, but remember this: Even if you’re not sure it’s a heart attack, have it checked out (tell a doctor about your symptoms). Minutes matter! Fast action can save lives — maybe your own. Don’t wait more than five minutes to call 9-1-1 or your emergency response number.

• Calling 9-1-1 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. Emergency medical services (EMS) staff can begin treatment when they arrive — up to an hour sooner than if someone gets to the hospital by car. EMS staff are also trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. Patients with chest pain who arrive by ambulance usually receive faster treatment at the hospital, too. It is best to call EMS for rapid transport to the emergency room.

There are many risk factors that put us more at risk for heart disease. Some of those risk factors that we can modify include:

• Tobacco use, obesity, physical inactivity, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol