N E W S

Vol 15, No. 1       LINCARE is a National Supplier of Home
Summer '03          Oxygen and Respiratory Therapy Services

Heart Attack, Stroke & Cardiac Arrest (cont.)

Warning Signs

If you or someone you're with has chest discomfort, especially with one or more of the other signs, don't wait longer than a few minutes (no more than 5) before calling for help. Call 9-1-1... Get to a hospital right away.

Calling 9-1-1 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. Emergency medical services staff can begin treatment when they arrive up to an hour sooner than if someone gets to the hospital by car. The staff is also trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. You'll also get treated faster in the hospital if you come by ambulance.

If you can't access the emergency medical services (EMS), have someone drive you to the hospital right away. If you're the one having symptoms, don't drive yourself, unless you have absolutely no other option.

Stroke Warning Signs

The American Stroke Association says these are the warning signs of stroke:

· Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body

· Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding

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• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes

• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination

• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

Cardiac arrest strikes immediately and without warning. If it occurs, call 9-1-1 and begin CPR immediately. Here are the signs of cardiac arrest:

• Sudden loss of responsiveness. No response to gentle shaking.

• No normal breathing. The victim does not take a normal breath when you check for several seconds.

• No signs of circulation. No movement or coughing.

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