When a heart attack occurs, time is of the essence. The first few minutes are pivotal in determining the patient’s immediate and long-term prognosis. According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly half of heart attack fatalities occur within an hour of the first symptom. Swift recognition and action can significantly increase the chances of receiving timely medical intervention.
“If you or someone around you is experiencing any of the following symptoms, remember, time is of the essence. Call 9-1-1 immediately to ensure prompt medical help and treatment.”
Heart Attack Symptoms
- Chest discomfort (Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and returns. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.)
- Discomfort in other upper body areas (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, including breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness
Stroke Symptoms
- Face drooping (If you notice one side of your or someone else’s face drooping or
numb, this is a telltale sign of a stroke. If you are uncertain, ask the person to
smile.) - Arm weakness (Many stroke victims experience weakness or numbness in one
arm.) - Speech difficulty (Speech may be slurred, prohibited or difficult to understand. If
someone you are with is experiencing this, ask him or her to repeat a simple
sentence, like “The sky is blue.” If he or she cannot, call 9-1-1 immediately.)
Cardiac Arrest Symptoms
- Sudden loss of responsiveness (If the person does not respond when tapped on
the shoulder, they are likely experiencing cardiac arrest.) - No normal breathing (The victim does not take a normal breath when you tilt the
head up and check for at least five seconds.)
