Ways to Handle Heart Emergencies and Tampa CPR Classes

Some of the heart emergencies include heart attack or myocardial infarction, a sudden cardiac arrest or SCA (sometimes called out-of-hospital cardiac arrest - or OCHA) and an angina attack or unstable angina. These are life-threatening emergencies and a victim would require proper and immediate treatment for survival.

Joining a CPR class Tampa and learning the valuable life-saving procedures is one of the best ways that can help you to handle heart-related emergencies. Always select an accredited training center for acquiring training such as the AHA certified CPR Tampa. Experienced instructors conduct the classes through a series of audio and video lectures and hands-on practice. There are courses for both healthcare and non-healthcare providers. 

Symptoms of Heart Attack:

Chest pain is the most vital symptom which often starts in the middle of the chest and moves to the neck, jaw, ears, arms and wrists. It can travel between shoulder blades, back or stomach area. Symptoms indicative of myocardial infarction includes

1.      pain (sometimes travelling from your chest) in your arms, jaw, neck, back and abdomen

2.      feeling or being sick

3.      feeling sweaty and clammy

4.      looking grey and pale

5.      feeling generally unwell, restless or panicky

6.      breathlessness, wheezing or coughing

7.      feeling your ticker beating very quickly

8.      feeling dizzy

It is important to call the emergency medical services by dialing 911 and one should immediately start performing the resuscitation techniques.

Symptoms of SCA:

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is when the heart stops which makes the person unconscious with the person

1.      appearing not to be breathing

2.      not moving

3.      not responding to any stimulation, like being touched or spoken to

The quicker this can be treated, the greater the chance of successful resuscitation.

Treatment Options:

1.      Call for the emergency medical services by dialing 911.

2.      Perform CPR staring with chest compressions. Try to do the chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 compressions a minute.

3.      Use a defibrillator to save a life. The most common type of defibrillator is an automated external defibrillator (AED). If you have access to an AED, use it. The defibrillator provides a shock that stops the heart, so it can naturally return to a normal rhythm. The device is very easy to use, just open the case and the instructions will talk you through exactly what to do. In between the shocks delivered, CPR should be continued.

Remember, a person having a heart attack is at high risk of experiencing a cardiac arrest.

Angina and Chest Pains:

Angina often feels like a heaviness or tightness in the chest, which may spread to the arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach. Some people describe a feeling of severe tightness, while others feel more of a dull ache. Some experience shortness of breath too. Unstable angina can be undiagnosed chest pain or a sudden worsening of existing angina with angina attacks occurring more frequently, with less and less activity. You may experience angina pain or discomfort if you have already been diagnosed with angina which you can manage by taking your glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) spray or tablets and resting.

Hope, the information proves to be useful for you. 

For more information or to sign up for a CPR program at CPR Tampa, either register online or call on 727-240-9404. Contribute towards the safety of the victims by getting trained in the life-saving procedures.