DISASTER! - Homeland Security and Emergency Management ...

What are YOU gonna do about…HEART PROBLEMS?Heart attacks can kill and most victims die within 2 hours of the first fewsymptoms. Most people deny they are having a heart attack - even if theyhave chest pains and shortness of breath… but DON’T take any chances! Aheart attack can lead to Cardiac Arrest.Cardiac arrest means that the heart stops beating and causes victim to passout followed by no sign of breathing and no pulse.Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is used to help pump oxygenatedblood through the body to the brain until the medical experts arrive.• Conventional CPR - combines chest compressions andRescue Breathing• Hands-only CPR - hard and fast chest compressions (100per minute ~ do it to the beat of that song “Staying Alive”by the Bee Gees)Hands-only CPR should only be used on an adult that suddenly collapses.It should not be used on children and infants or on adults whose cardiacarrest is from respiratory causes (like near-drowning or a drug overdose).Those victims all benefit from combined CPR and Rescue Breathing.HEART ATTACKThings to watch for…Chest pain that can spread to shoulder, arm, or jawShortness of breath or trouble breathingStrange pulse (faster or slower than normal or sporadic)Pale or bluish skin colorWhat to do…• Tell victim to STOP what they’re doing, sit down and rest.• Call for an ambulance immediately!• Loosen any tight clothing, esp. around neck and waist.• Ask victim if they are taking any prescribed medicines fortheir heart… and if they do, have them take it!• Take a couple of pure aspirin, if available.• Watch victim’s breathing and be prepared to give CPR.188 www.itsadisaster.net or call 1-888-999-4325