Otte-Coleman - City Magazine

B E R M C A S H S P A
I D E A L O T T O C L I P
T I L D E R E E D L I N E
T Y C O O N A S P E C T S
A N I M A L A R K S
R A S P L E D E R G
O U T W A D G E Y S E R
I R E R E L C O D O R E
L A W F U L R A T L I D
I L L O R R I D E S
M I N E M Y R I A D
M I N E R V A I P E C A C
A X E S A R I A R A L L Y
K E P T S I N G O R E A D
O R T E A S E D E N S
Answers for the October 2009 crossword puzzle.
Since many
hospitals are
not staffed to
immediately
perform
some heart
procedures,
calling ahead
allows them to
set up as fast as
possible, sharply
reducing the
time it takes
for patients to
receive lifesaving
treatment.
According
to data from
the American
College of
Cardiology, 90
percent of heart
attack patients
who call 911
have necessary
procedures
performed
within 90
minutes of
arriving at the
hospital.
Treating 75 percent of severe heart attack victims within
90 minutes, is a key in preventing irreversible damage. Rapid
treatment also leads to faster patient recovery. Many of those
patients go home within three to five days, rather than seven to ten
days.
Unfortunately, only about half of all heart attack victims arrive
at hospitals by ambulance. The rest drive themselves or have
someone take them, wasting precious seconds.
Experts say, the largest hurdle is educating the public to
call 911 when a heart attack is suspected. Dr. Rokas believes
when everyone finally gets that, it will save thousands of lives,
significantly dropping mortality rates. His final word, "The
paramedics can provide you with one-on-one concierge service."
But, there is one more thing you should do even before dialing
911.
Take one or two aspirin. It will start working its magic even
before the medics arrive. The same advice applies for people who
think they are having a stroke.
Take an aspirin immediately and then call 911; in that order.
Even if you are not sure if you are having a heart attack or stroke;
do it any way. Chances are, it won’t hurt and might just help.
Better safe then sorry.
November 2009 33