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| Preparing for ACLS - Arrhythmia - Chain of Survival - About AED's - The Heart - ICD's - Performing CPRWhat is CPR? Compression Only CPR - Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators - Cardiovascular Technologists
The Cardiac Chain of Survival Early Recognition This first link in the cardiac chain of survival is early recognition of a cardiac emergency. Cardiac emergencies can be very subtle with only mild symptoms, while at other times they can be very severe with the victim in obvious distress. For this reason it is not always easy to spot indications of a heart attack. It is not expected that everyone is a professional evaluator of public health or medical emergencies, but that if a person presents with some obvious symptoms, it is recognized and the appropriate measures are taken. The heart attack patient has the best chance of survival while he/she is still conscious and before going into cardiac arrest. There is a big difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest. Heart attack victims are generally still conscious, while cardiac arrest victims are not. The prognosis is very poor for the cardiac arrest victim. That is why the first link is early recognition. If the victim can receive medical help before going into cardiac arrest there is a much better chance of survival. Heart attack victims often complain of chest discomfort and/or pain. This pain is generally persistent and may go away and come right back and radiate to either arm or the jaw. Sometimes it is not described as pain, but more of a discomfort. Heart Attack pain can also been described as, tightness, squeezing or aching in the chest. Nausea, vomiting, weakness, pale or ashen skin, and shortness of breath are also common associated symptoms. Heart attack victims many times are in denial especially if they are not having any significant “chest pain”. However, it is important to understand that having no actual chest pain is not always evidence that the problem is not heart related. Sometimes a victim will present only with atypical symptoms like weakness or back pain. It is commonly understood that women, and those suffering form other health related problems are more likely to have atypical symptoms.
I should clarify that women do NOT have an exclusively different presentation or set of cardiac symptoms then men. Women can have all the above symptoms just like a man, but are “more likely” to be atypical then men. In any case, if someone is having these symptoms and they persist for more then a few minutes, there is a strong possibility that it is a heart attack. In most circumstances 911 or the local emergency number should be called. However if you live right across the street from the hospital then it would be more appropriate to drive across the street. The advantage to call for EMS services is that paramedics and EMT’s are able to administer life saving medication and treatment. In addition to that, if the victim becomes unconscious, then EMS personnel are able to manage that situation en rout, which is something you cannot do driving them yourself. Heart attacks are one of the leading causes of death in the United States. The first link in the cardiac chain of survival, “Early Recognition” is vital the survivability of the victim. To find out more about recognizing cardiac emergencies and heart attacks, consider a basic life support (CPR) class. Our instructors will bring you up to speed on the most current emergency cardiovascular care science.
Providing American Red Cross, American Heart Association (AHA), and American Health and Safety Institute Certification. Instructors available on site Advanced Courses ACLS PALS Provider Classes, Online Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Cardiac Life Support Provider, Certification Renewal and Re certification Courses ECG, EKG and Instructor courses Basic Courses BLS Classes and Courses, CPR AED and First Aid Certification Classes, Health Care Provider BLS, CPR for the Professional Rescuer Online CPR and Adult Child Infant CPR/AED First Aid Basics, Pediatric First Aid and Automated External Defibrillators Programs and Instructor Classes Blood Borne Pathogens and Preventing Disease Transmission Certification Courses
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