City of Lincoln
Fire & Rescue Department
WARNING SIGNS OF HEART ATTACKS:
Brain Death! Remember that the American Heart Association stresses that brain death occurs after 4 to 6 minutes with a lack of Oxygen to the Brain!!!
Early detection / Notification is Critical! Call 9-1-1
Sudden vs. Slow onset of warning signs - Some heart attacks are sudden and intense," where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:
Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. 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 may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness
Learn the signs, but remember this: Even if you're not sure it's a heart attack, have it checked out. Minutes matter! Fast action can save lives — maybe your own. Don’t wait more than five minutes to call 9-1-1.
Calling 9-1-1 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment with the exception of bystander CPR and when available AED.
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 are also trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. 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.
AED and Bystander CPR works.
These are reasons why the City of Lincoln and our medical community have such a great percentage of heart attack saves!
MAY IS STROKE AWARENESS MONTH
IN 2006- THERE WERE 387 STROKES/TIA CALLS
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in America and the No. 1 cause of adult disability. 80% of strokes are preventable; you can prevent a stroke!
WARNINGS SIGNS OF STROKES:
The American Stroke Association says these are the warning signs of stroke:
Act F.A.S.T. (Assessment) (aka Cincinnati scale)
Immediately call 9-1-1 - If you or someone with you has one or more of these signs, don't delay! Immediately call 9-1-1 or the emergency medical services (EMS) number so an ambulance (ideally with advanced life support) can be sent for you. Also, check the time so you'll know when the first symptoms appeared. It's very important to take immediate action. If given within three hours of the start of symptoms, a clot-busting drug can reduce long-term disability for the most common type of stroke.
Stroke Alerts - The Lincoln system has implemented the Stroke Alert System. If any of the signs and symptoms and any of the results of the FAST initial assessment are present , and the onset was within a four hour period, LFR will initiate a Stroke Alert! All Lincoln Hospitals participate in the Stroke Alert program.9-1-1 Dispatch Center - Trained in CPR and EMD to assist in providing instructions to assist the caller to help provide life saving care prior to LFR arrival.
9-1-1 Dispatch Center - Trained in CPR and EMD to assist in providing instructions to assist the caller to help provide life saving care prior to LFR arrival.