1. Chapter 5 Cardiac Emergencies

2. What does the heart do? The heart is about the size of a fist and lies between the lungs in the middle of the chest. It is separated into right and left halves. Blood containing little or no oxygen enters the right side of the heart and is pumped to the lungs. Blood picks up oxygen from the lungs then returns through the left side of the heart and pumped throughout the body.

3. Cardiovascular disease Cardiovascular disease is an abnormal condition that affects the heart and blood vessels. An estimated 61 million Americans suffer from a form of cardiovascular disease. About 800,000 die each year from cardiovascular disease. Coronary heart disease and stroke cause more than 40% of deaths in the U.S.A.

4. When the heart fails! When the heart has damage a person experiences a heart attack or damage to the heart muscle. This can cause the heart to beat in an irregular way and may prevent blood from circulating effectively. Normal breathing can be disrupted or stopped. A heart attack can cause a heart to stop entirely!

5. Signals of a Heart Attack Chest pain lasting for more than 3 to 5 min. Chest pain that goes away and comes back. Discomfort, pain, or pressure that spreads to the shoulder, arm, neck or jaw.

6. Signals of a Heart Attack. Dizziness, lightheadedness, or loss of consciousness Trouble breathing Nausea Pale skin Sweating- face may be moist or sweating profusely.

7. What can you do? Call 9-1-1 Convince the person to stop activity and rest. Obtain any information you can. Comfort the person. Assist with any prescribed medicine. Offer an aspirin Be prepared to give CPR

8. Aspirin If the person can take medicine by mouth, ask: –Are you allergic to aspirin? –Do you have stomach ulcers or disease? –Do you take any blood thinners? –Has a doctor ever told you not to take aspirin? If they answer no to all, you may offer 2 chewable baby aspirins, or 1 adult aspirin

9. Cardiac Chain of Survival Early recognition and early access. Early CPR Early defibrillation Early advanced medical care.

10. What does CPR do? CPR is a combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths. Chest compressions – help circulate blood in the body that contains oxygen.

11. See hand out. CPR, Unconscious choking, AED