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Chest Pains & Heart Attacks

· Chest Pains and Heart Attacks.

From Training Officer Rich Carson:

EMS responses for people complaining of chest pain or possible heart attack is a frequent occurrence - The importance of which cannot be overemphasized. In the presence of an actual heart attack, delay in seeking help can be, and is, often fatal. It is also expected that emergencies relating to cardiac problems will increase over the next decade as the baby boomers age.

Signs of a possible heart attack include:
· Chest pain lasting more than a few minutes, which may or may not radiate to one or both arms. Pain may radiate into the neck, jaw, and back. The pain can described as pressure, soreness, stabbing, ripping, indigestion, burning.

· Difficulty breathing, dizziness, passing out, nausea, and vomiting are also frequently reported.

· Changes in skin color may also occur.

The symptoms may be sudden or of slow onset and gradually increase in severity. Surprisingly, a person does not always have to experience chest pain to be having a heart attack. Diabetics have a higher incidence of "silent heart attacks" than the rest of the population.

A Special Note to Women: It has been clearly established that women experience different symptoms of a heart related problem than do men. Particularly in the acute phase. Symptoms such as feeling "washed out", achy in the upper portion of the body and other vague symptoms for which there is no obvious cause have all been implicated in heart attacks in women.

Also be aware that not all chest pain is heart related. There are other organs in the chest that are affected by diseases as well, but can be just a serious as a heart attack. So never take chest pain lightly.

Because the risk of cardiac arrest in the early stages of a heart attack are high, it is vitally important that you call 911 for help immediately. Await the arrival of the police, ambulance squad and paramedics. Keep the patient calm and in a comfortable position. If they feel faint place them lying flat. Do not give anything to drink and keep the patient warm. If the patient loses their pulse CPR will need to be done. The VTAS strongly urges all members of the public to become trained in CPR.

Over the past five years, treatment for heart attacks has undergone dramatic changes. Many therapies can actually be initiated before the patient reaches the hospital. This again underscores the need for immediate EMS notification. The earlier treatment is begun, the better the chance of successful recovery.

The above is general informational guidelines and not to be substituted for professional care. If you feel that you have encountered a serious injury or are not sure what to do, always call 911 for assistance.