If someone near you experiences cardiac arrest and suddenly collapses, their survival depends on the actions of those around them. There are two simple steps you can learn to potentially save a life.
In a cardiac emergency,
1. Call 9-1-1
2. Administer Hands-only CPR (Push hard and fast in the center of the chest)
Hands-only CPR is CPR without mouth-to-mouth breathing. If you see a teen or adult suddenly collapse, call 911 and push hard and fast in the center of the victim’s chest to the beat of the disco song “Stayin’ Alive,” which has the right beat for hands-only CPR. The most important thing a bystander or loved one can do for the victim is pump blood to the brain and heart with minimal interruptions. So, hands-only CPR has been shown to be as effective as conventional CPR for sudden cardiac arrest at home or in a public space.
What is STEMI and why is it important?
STEMI stands for ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction, which is a severe heart attack where the coronary artery is acutely blocked, diminishing blood flow to the heart. When a patient is treated for acute myocardial infarction, quick response and early, invasive treatment is key, so the entire emergency staff needs to be alerted as soon as possible. The STEMI Alert process involves EMS personnel administering an electrocardiogram (ECG) test before leaving the patient’s location and digitally sending the ECG recordings to an awaiting emergency department. This prepares the STEMI-receiving hospital team for the patient’s arrival.
Davis Hospital and Medical Center, Davis Hospital Weber Campus, Salt Lake Regional Medical Center, Jordan Valley Medical Center, and Pioneer Valley Hospital are STEMI-receiving centers.
