Cardiac Emergencies

CPR for Unresponsive Individuals

If a person falls unresponsive due their heart stopping, initiating CPR can be the difference between life and death. Start CPR or see if anyone around you is trained in CPR. If not, the 911 operator can assist.

CPR Steps:

  1. Make sure that there is nothing in the area that could be potentially dangerous. You won’t be able to effectively help someone else if you yourself aren’t safe!
  2. Take a deep breath. Stay calm.
  3. Check the person’s level of consciousness. Loudly ask “Are you OK?” and firmly tap them on their shoulders.
  4. If the person is unresponsive, call 911 immediately. Dispatchers may stay on the phone with you until help arrives.
  5. If the person is not breathing, start hands-only CPR (no mouth-to-mouth).

How to perform high-quality chest compressions:

  • Kneel at the person’s side. Place your dominant hand on the center of the person’s chest, and your non-dominant hand over your dominant hand. Lace your fingers together.
  • Position yourself over the person’s body so that your shoulders are over your hands, and straighten your arms.
  • Push hard and fast in the center of the chest using the heel of your dominant hand.
  • Deliver compressions at a rate of 100-120 beats per minute. Here are some songs with beats you can provide effective CPR to!
  • Compress the chest to a depth of 2 to 2.4 inches: about 1/3 of the chest diameter.
  • Take your weight off the chest in between compressions. It is important to allow the chest to fully recoil so that oxygenated blood can be delivered to the heart.
  • Don’t stop CPR unless the person starts breathing, you become too tired to continue, or emergency health care providers are present and prepared to take over.

Non-Traumatic Chest Pain

Non-traumatic chest pain can occur when the heart is not getting enough oxygen. Although the situation may not seem bad, it is very important to call 911 if a person develops chest pain that does not go away. Chest pain can evolve into more serious issues, such as a heart attack or cardiac arrest.

Key Signs/Symptoms:

  • Pressure or tightness in the chest
  • Pain radiating to other parts of the body (e.g.: neck, jaw, shoulders, arms, back)
  • Pain that does not improve with rest
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Elevated heart rate
  • Shortness of breath