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The American Heart Association (AHA), as it is often referred to, trains hundreds, if not thousands, of new instructors each year. I’m in my 49th year as an AHA instructor, and it’s safe to say that things have changed over the years.

Although many efforts are being made to prevent deaths from heart disease, cardiac arrest remains the leading cause of death in the United States. Approximately 70% of arrests that occur outside of hospitals occur at home, so it’s important to know some important information that may help before CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is required. , would be a good topic as everyone prepares to enjoy spring and summer activities. .

AHA uses something called the “chain of survival.” This chain is a visual showing six links that serve as a reminder to deal with cardiac arrest. The first is to initiate emergency response (911), followed by high-quality CPR (immediate start), early defibrillation (most effective within the first 5 minutes), and advanced resuscitation (paramedic/EMS ), post-cardiac care, and finally recovery.

A good place to start is to understand the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest. A heart attack occurs when one of your coronary arteries becomes blocked. The heart muscle is deprived of its vital blood supply, and if left untreated, it doesn’t get enough oxygen and begins to die. Cardiac arrest is when the heart stops pumping blood around the body and stops breathing normally.

To make a call before a heart attack turns into cardiac arrest, you need to know the signs and symptoms.

If you notice any of the following signs, call 911 immediately. Uncomfortable tightness, tightness, fullness, or pain in the center of your chest. It is often described as having an elephant or cinder block on its chest. It may last more than a few minutes, or it may disappear and then come back.

Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, back (often between the shoulder blades), neck, jaw, or stomach. Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort. Other signs include cold sweats, nausea, vomiting, and lightheadedness.

Women may experience other symptoms that are less commonly associated with a heart attack, such as shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, and back or jaw pain. We all imagine a heart attack, with a man clutching his chest, gasping, and falling to the ground, but if it was actually a woman, the scene might not be so dramatic. Even subtle signs can be deadly, especially if help isn’t immediately available.

In the case of cardiac arrest, manual cardiopulmonary resuscitation may be a lifesaving treatment before other trained personnel arrive. CPR has two main skills: compressions and breathing. Her hands-only CPR circulates already oxygenated blood throughout the body, creating a bridge from death to life. Only compression is provided here.

Hands-on CPR instruction is often given at health fairs, local EMS and fire departments, and even some school events. Learn how to give compressions deep enough and fast enough while returning the chest to its normal position after each compression. It is also important not to interrupt compressions for more than 10 seconds.

Instructions for adults include: Place the person on a firm, flat surface. Immediately move bulky clothing out of the way (even if moving is difficult, perform CPR). Place the heel of one hand on the center of your chest, over the lower half of your sternum, and your other hand on top of your first hand. Push straight down at least 2 inches and at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. Return the chest to its normal position after each compression.

This is not a lesson, but a good reminder and information to remember. There are many cases of cardiac arrest being “saved” simply by someone watching TV, a video, or reading about what to do.

As you set out on your summer adventures, remember that knowing what to do in an instant can be the very thing that saves your life.

Debbie Kulick is an EMT and writes a weekly news column for the Pocono Record.

This article originally appeared on Pocono Record: How to know the signs of a heart attack and perform CPR using just your hands | Couric

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