HEARTSTART UK

Every two minutes of every day SOMEONE in the United Kingdom suffers a HEART ATTACK.
Recent experience has shown that survival from heart attacks may be significantly improved by increasing public awareness of how to deliver Emergency Life Support.

It is known that nearly 70% of Heart Attacks happen at home, the majority of which are witnessed by someone who is also there, most of whom are relatives of the victim. Therefore knowing how to recognise the situation and learning the vital skills necessary to assist the patient is essential. Knowing how to deliver Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) increases the chance of successful defibrillation by 100%.

Learning the skills is easy by attending just one two hour, free training class. After this you are encouraged to refresh your skills at least once every 18 months as, hopefully, you are learning skills that you will never need to use.

The Chain of Survival - Emergency Life Support (ELS)
Whether someone has had a heart attack, stopped breathing, is choking or bleeding, the prompt action of a properly trained person can save a life or prevent disability. ELS techniques are applicable to wide range of emergencies - the skills are easily learned and can be carried out by anyone with no special medical knowledge. ELS is taught to the current European Resuscitation Council Standards and includes;

Dealing with a suspected heart attack casualty
Dealing with an unconscious casualty
Performing rescue breathing
Performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
Dealing with choking and serious bleeding

Signs and Symptoms of a Heart Attack
Persistent crushing pain in centre of chest, often wraps around body like a vice, may spread to arms, throat, jaw, back or abdomen and does not go away with rest.

Being short of breath
Feeling sick
Feeling weak or dizzy
Sweating may develop
Skin may become "ashen" pale, with blueness of the lips
Pulse is usually fast, and may become weak and irregular

Two Hour Free Training
One two-hour course gives you the skills to help save a life!

For more information contact : NWAS (Cumbria & Lancashire) Heartstart Co-ordinator; Roger Pett.
01228 596909. Email roger.pett@nhs.net