Resources

HANDS-ONLY CPR CAN SAVE LIVES:

Most people who experience cardiac arrest at home, work or in a public location die because they don’t receive immediate CPR from someone on the scene. As a bystander, don’t be afraid. Your actions can only help.

When calling 911, you will be asked for your location. Be specific, especially if you’re calling from a mobile phone as that is not associated with a fixed address. Answering the dispatcher’s questions will not delay the arrival of help.

HOW TO GIVE HANDS-ONLY CPR:

If you see a teen or adult suddenly collapse, call 9-1-1 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest to the beat of the classic disco song “Stayin’ Alive.” CPR can more than double a person’s chances of survival, and “Stayin’ Alive” has the right beat for Hands-Only CPR.

Click here for video demonstrations and more information from the AHA.

AHA Resources

Heart Attack Warning Signs

• Chest discomfort – Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
• Other Upper Body discomfort – Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of Breath with or without chest discomfort.
• Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

Signs of a Stroke (B.E.F.A.S.T.)

• B – Balance: Is the person experiencing a sudden loss of balance or coordination?
• E – Eyes: Is the person having a sudden change in vision or trouble seeing
• F – Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
• A – Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• S – Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
• T – Time: If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Cardiac Arrest Warning Signs

• Sudden loss of responsiveness – No response to tapping on shoulders.
• No normal breathing – The victim does not take a normal breath when you tilt the head up and check for at least five seconds.

Chain of Survival for Cardiac Arrest

5 Links in the Adult Chain of Survival

• Recognition of cardiac arrest and activation of the emergency response system
• Early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with an emphasis on chest compressions
• Rapid defibrillation
• Basic and advanced emergency medical services
• Advanced life support and post-cardiac arrest care