When To Call EMS

We've all seen the 'Hollywood Heart Attacks' where the actor has a sudden, intense pain. It's obvious that the individual's having a heart attack. But unfortunately, it's not alway obvious.

Many times, a heart attach may start slowly with little more than a little chest discomfort. Often, people will discount the pain as indigestion and wait until it's too late.

• Chest discomfort. Heart attacks may begin with a simple discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes. But the pain may also come and go away repeatedly. The sensation is usually described as a pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
• Pain or discomfort in other parts of the upper body. The pain or discomfort may be in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating, lightheadedness and/or nausea/vomitting
  

While you may think you can get to the hospital quicker than spending time calling an ambulance, you're forgetting that we can begin treatment as soon as we arrive. In a hospital setting, it may take up to an hour for your treatment to begin. And it's important to note that EMS uses the same exact equipment, treatment and medication as the hospital.

This month's EMS training centers around North Oldham's new fire/rescue boat. So the topics for the month are fresh water drownings and water rescue drowning. Included will be an orientation to the new boat. All trainings will be instructed by Major Todd Early and Lt. Colonel Don Dahl.

The trainings will be Wednesday April 29 from 9 AM to 12PM and again on the same day at 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM.

Captain Bobbi Nelson will be teaching Adult Heartsaver CPR classes on the dates listed below. All classes are from 9:00 AM to 1:30. You can schedule a class online. We also provide CPR training at your workplace, church or school. Just give Capt. Nelson a call at (502) 22207250.

Saturday, April 25th

Saturday, May 30th

Saturday, June 27th

Saturday, July 25th