Be aware of signs of heart attack, stroke

Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue’s Community Relations Team
Published: May 19, 2008

On a daily basis, we depend on Emergency Medical Service Providers (EMS) to reduce the number of deaths and disabilities that occur from serious injury or illness. With the touch/stroke of three small, yet significant numbers — 911 — EMS provides life-saving treatments to those in need. As the first line of emergency responders, they provide the highest quality of emergency medical care on our nation’s highways and surrounding communities. In the U.S., according to the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT), there are approximately 26,000 fire departments that provide EMS with more than 1 million firefighters cross-trained in EMS.

Each year, approximately 700,000 Americans die of heart disease according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). In 2008, more than half of those individuals, 430,000, will have a recurrent attack. After heart disease and cancer, strokes are responsible for more American deaths than any other medical condition with more than 700,000 new strokes reported annually. Listed below are signs one should look for if you suspect you or someone you love is experiencing a heart attack or stroke.

Signs of a heart attack:
• Chest discomfort — pressure, squeezing, fullness, pain.
• Discomfort to upper body. — neck, jaw, arms, stomach.
• Shortness of breath.
• Nausea, sweating or dizziness.

Signs of a stroke:
• Sudden numbness/weakness to one side of the body — arm, leg, face.
• Confusion — trouble speaking or seeing.
• Dizziness.
• Sudden, severe headache.

Call 911 if these symptoms are apparent!

In recognition of EMS personnel for their tireless efforts, dedication to life and round-the-clock commitment to the communities they serve, EMS Providers, across the nation, will be honored during the 34th Annual National Emergency Medical Services Week, May 18-24. This year’s theme is “Your Life Is Our Mission.”

For more information about the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue, please visit http://www.pwcgov.org/fire or call 703-792-6800.

This column is provided by the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue’s Community Relations Team. Send questions or comments to DFR Responding to You, 9250 Lee Ave., Manassas VA 20110 or via e-mail to dfrrespondingtoyou @pwcgov.org.