In addition to making better food and exercise choices to keep your heart healthy, do you know what to look for and what to do should an emergency such as a heart attack occur? Gain the knowledge and confidence to respond in a
life-threatening situation through NSC training.
For example, be aware of the following symptoms of heart attack:
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Persistent discomfort, pain or pressure in chest
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Pain that may spread to neck, jaw, shoulder or arm
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Shortness of breath
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Dizziness, lightheadedness, feeling of impending doom
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Pale skin, sweating
Victims having a heart attack may not have all these signs and symptoms. Women especially, may experience other symptoms, including shortness of breath, indigestion, nausea or vomiting, and back or jaw pain.
If you see these signs, do the following:
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Call 9-1-1 for any victim experiencing chest discomfort, even if the victim says it is not serious
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Help the victim rest in a comfortable position and loosen constricting clothing
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Ask the victim if he or she is taking heart medication and help obtain the medication – follow the directions on the medication
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Encourage the victim to chew one uncoated adult or 2 low-dose baby aspirin unless he or she is allergic to aspirin or cannot take aspirin for any other reason
Learn more about Cardio Vascular Disease including Stroke by taking a National Safety Council First Aid, CPR & AED course. For a training center near you, click here.
When responders arrived, they took over chest compressions and shocked Odgers three times with an AED to restore his heartbeat. At the hospital, James was given an implanted defibrillator and two stents. Four months later he was back at work, alongside the co-workers who had saved him.
Today Jim enjoys a great life, job and family because of his co-workers who took the time to learn CPR and recognize the importance of being trained properly.
Read more survivor stories here.