CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary-Resuscitation) is a part of the “cardiac chain
of survival” for someone who has stopped breathing and/or whose heart
has stopped. CPR combines rescue breathing and chest compressions. It allows
oxygen-enriched blood to be circulated throughout the body until more advanced
medical care can be provided.
Other parts of the chain
include:
- Early recognition of the symptoms and early calling of 911,
- Rapid use of an AED (automated external defibrillator),
- Early transport to advanced care.
Signs of a possible heart attack:
- Pain - pressure, squeezing, or tightness
- Location - center of the chest and may radiate outward into the shoulders
and other areas of the chest
- Duration - pain will last for several minutes. It may lessen if the person
relaxes and calms down
- Shortness of breath, feel lightheaded, faint, cold sweat, nauseated
- People may describe it as heartburn, indigestion, and a backache
- Most people will deny they are possibly having a heart attack and attribute
it to heartburn or indigestion
- Women, the elderly, and diabetics may have more vague symptoms
What to do when someone stops breathing or is having a heart attack:
The American Red Cross teaches these emergency actions steps:
CHECK-CALL-CARE
Check-
Check the scene first and make sure it is safe for you to enter.
- Always watch out for your safety first! If you have any doubts call 911
or (x1-3255 - Public Safety) immediately.
- Look around the scene to find clues about what may have happened. If
it is safe, approach the victim and look for such things as: unconsciousness,
persistent
chest pain or discomfort, not breathing or difficulty breathing, no pulse,
severe bleeding.
- Determine the number of victims.
- Use personal barrier protection when encountering blood or other body
fluids, or when giving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. (i.e., gloves, masks,
breathing
barriers).
Call 911
- Give them all the information you can and listen for things you can do
to help.
- Give your exact location and landmarks (i.e., Building name, room number).
- DO NOT HANG UP until you’re told to.
Care - If you know CPR, use those skills or follow the instructions of
the 911 dispatcher. Even if you just stay with the victim and keep them
calm, this
will be a big help.
If you don’t know
First Aid and/or CPR, take a class to prepare yourself to deal with these
kinds of emergencies. If you do
know these skills,
keep them fresh and up-to-date by taking refresher classes every 1-2 years.
Information
about classes can be found at the Campus Wellness Center (331-3659),
through your local American Red Cross chapter (Ottawa County: 616-396-6545
or Kent
County: 616-456-8661) or the American
Heart Association .
You can also get first-aid information at http://www.mayoclinic.com/findinformation/firstaidandselfcare
Note: Information above
comes from the American Red Cross and American Heart Association’s
First Aid and CPR training materials.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, emergency treatment or formal first-aid training. Don't use this information to diagnose or develop a treatment plan for a health problem or disease without consulting a qualified health care provider. If you're in a life-threatening or emergency medical situation, seek medical assistance immediately by calling 9-911.)
