Cardiac Arrest

Medic is committed to eliminating "empty minutes" in the treatment of cardiac arrest patients. Too often, nothing is done to help the patient between the time the condition is recognized and the time emergency personnel arrive on the scene. That is why Medic is leading the effort to make the community – those of us who actually witness someone suffering a heart attack – the true First Responders and critical first link in the EMS system.

In our efforts to eliminate the "empty minutes" during a cardiac arrest, we will be working with local businesses and organizations to increase the number of defibrillators. These devices are becoming more common in locations such as airports and fitness centers, but we think they can and should be available throughout our community. Over the past several years, our partnership with both local first responders and with the American Heart Association’s Heart Restart program have placed hundreds of defibrillators in the hands of police officers, firefighters, and EMT’s. We’re not satisfied with stopping there! We want AED’s to be available in businesses and homes throughout the community. That is why Medic has joined efforts with the Mecklenburg Medical Alliance and Endowment to educate the public and donate AED’s throughout Mecklenburg County through The Lucky Hearts Campaign. 

Cardiac arrest can occur for many reasons, but the effect is the same. Once the heart stops beating, the brain begins to die within 4-6 minutes due to lack of oxygen. Simply put, a person has essentially died once their heart stops. Without quick intevention, they will likely stay this way. Fortunately, the right combination of training and quick action can save a person’s life in some cases.

Once a person’s heart has stopped, the chain of survival is very simple— 

  • Access—Bystander recognize the emergency and phone 911
  • Early CPR—Bystander follows the directions of 911 dispatcher or already knows CPR and begins compressions
  • Early Defibrillation—Bystander locates the nearest onsite AED and applies it or first responders arrive with a defibrillator
  • Early Advanced Care—Paramedics arrive and begin to administer medications and perform advanced procedures

We believe that every person should have the best chance of survival possible. Medic has always worked to provide the best possible pre-hospital care to the citizens of this community. When it comes to cardiac arrest, we need your help. 

  • Learn CPR—it may save the life of someone you love one day
  • Learn the symptoms of heart attacks and strokes—recognizing the symptoms of these killers may prevent your loved one from going into cardiac arrest
  • Recognize that a problem exists
  • Get involved—make the call to 911 and follow the dispatcher’s instructions. They will give you step-by-step instructions on what-to-do.
  • Keep going—don’t stop doing cpr until paramedics or first responders arrive. You are giving that person the best possible chance of survival.
  • Ask about AEDs (defibrillators)—does your church, business, fitness center have one? If not, why not? These inexpensive devices might save your life one day.

Please feel free to contact us with questions, Kristin Young.

 

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