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February is American Heart Month, and Austin Public Health (APH) and Austin-Travis County EMS (ATCEMS) are raising awareness of heart disease and cardiac arrest in the community.
In severe cases, a heart attack can cause the victim to go into cardiac arrest — a lifethreatening condition in which the heart stops beating. When someone suffers a cardiac arrest, their chances of survival go down every second. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) carried out by trained bystanders can dramatically improve those odds and give people the best possible chance of recovering.
Knowing how to recognize when a cardiac event is happening plays a major role in helping someone survive a heart attack. The earlier that symptoms are recognized and EMS is activated, the higher the likelihood of survival for those patients.
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is obstructed. The signs and symptoms of a heart attack include:
• Chest pain or pressure
• Pain or discomfort that spreads to the shoulder, arm, back, neck, or jaw
• Cold sweats
• Lightheadedness or sudden dizziness
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath Heart attacks are time-sensitive, lifethreatening events — every second counts. If you or someone you are with experiences any of these symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately. ATCEMS paramedics are experts at recognizing these conditions and can help you begin life-saving treatment from the moment you call 9-1-1.
ATCEMS also regularly teaches CPR and first aid classes at several certification levels. You can learn more on the website at www. austintx.gov.
