Press Release
| For More Information Contact: | For Release: |
| Julie Armstrong, Health Educator | Date: 2/1/01 |
| Phone: (937) 642-2053 | |
| Fax: (937) 642-2080 |
Be Prepared for Cardiac Emergencies
Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of American men and women and Union County’s leading cause of death. Help battle and arm yourself in the fight against cardiovascular disease by being prepared for cardiac emergencies. Learn the warning signs of cardiac arrest, act immediately by calling 9-1-1 and give CPR.
The American Heart Association asks the public to be prepared for cardiac emergencies by taking these three steps:
 |
Know the warning signs
of cardiac arrest in order to recognize a medical emergency when
it occurs. Cardiac arrest occurs suddenly and dramatically. During
cardiac arrest, a victim loses consciousness, stops normal breathing
and loses pulse and blood pressure. During cardiac arrest, a victim
loses consciousness, stops normal breathing and loses pulse and
blood pressure. Cardiac arrest can be cause by several factors,
including heart attack, electrocution, drowning or trauma, or it
can have no known cause. |
|
Call 9-1-1 immediately
to access the emergency medical system upon recognizing any cardiac
arrest warning signs. |
|
Give cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). CPR can keep the cardiac arrest victim alive until emergency help arrives. CPR also maintains the vital blood flow to the heart and brain and helps sustain the victim until defibrillation (electric shock to the heart) can be administered. If you do not know CPR, contact your local American Heart Association office or your local American Red Cross to sign up for a CPR course in your area. |
For more information on cardiovascular disease, contact the Union County Health Department at (937) 642-0801 or toll free 1-888-333-9461.