| Recognizing
a Heart Attack
Delay can prove deadly. When someone
suffers a heart attack, minutes -- especially the first few
minutes -- are very important. The most common sign of a
heart attack is chest pain or discomfort, often described as
uncomfortable pressure, fullness, or squeezing. The pain
is often located in the center of the chest under the breastbone
but may also start in or spread to either shoulder or arm, neck
or lower jaw. The pain may remain constant or it may come
and go.
Other signs of a possible heart
attack include:
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Difficulty breathing
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Fainting
Recognizing Other Medical
Emergencies...
Know which symptoms to watch for.
The warning signs of a medical emergency are:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest or upper abdominal pain or pressure
- Fainting
- Sudden dizziness, weakness or change in vision
- Change in mental status (such as unusual behavior,
confusion or difficulty waking up)
- Sudden, severe pain anywhere in the body
- Bleeding that won't stop
- Severe or continuous vomiting
- Coughing up or vomiting blood
- Suicidal or homicidal feelings
Calling for Medical Help...
Emergency Number: 9-1-1 for
Ambulance, Fire or Police
- Stay calm and dial 9-1-1
- Stay on the line and answer all questions
- Follow the directions of the 911
operator
- If possible, send someone outside to direct the ambulance
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What to do in a
Medical Emergency
Bleeding/Injuries/Fractures
- Call 9-1-1 first
- Control bleeding by pressing on the wound with a clean
cloth
- Keep the person lying down
- If you suspect fractures or back injury, do not move the
victim
Chest Pain/Heart Attack/Breathing
Problems
- Call 9-1-1 first
- Keep person comfortable
- If victim is not breathing, perform CPR if you are trained
Convulsions/Seizures
- Do not restrain person
- Call 9-1-1
- Protect person from harm
- Turn person on side after seizure stops to allow drainage
from the mouth
Choking/Airway Obstructions
- Call 9-1-1 first.
- If person cannot speak or cough, perform Heimlich Maneuver
if you are trained
- If airway clears, keep victim calm until paramedics arrive
Ingestion Poisoning
- Give nothing by mouth
- Call POISON Help anytime toll free, 1-800-222-1222
- If directed, call 9-1-1
Serious Burns
- Remove source of the burn
- Call 9-1-1
- Cover area lightly with thick layers of clean cloth
To Receive 9-1-1 Phone
Stickers by Mail...
Call Huron Valley Ambulance at
(734) 477-6782 |
