Emergency Medical Services
Saylor Fire Medics provide both basic and advanced life support services. EMS staff are trained and certified to the following levels.
EMT, Advanced EMT, or Paramedic.
Heart Attack & Stroke Warning Signs
Heart Attack Warning Signs
Some heart attacks are sudden and intense-the "movie heart attack," where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort.
Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:
*Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that last more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like
uncomfortable pressure squeezing, fullness or pain.
*Discomfort in other area of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
*Shortness of breath. This feeling often comes along with chest discomfort. But can occur before the chest discomfort.
If you or someone you're with has chest discomfort, especially with one or more of the other signs, don't wait longer than a few minutes (no more than 5) before calling for help.
CALL 9-1-1... Get to a hospital right away.
Calling 9-1-1 is almost always fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. Emergency medical services staff can begin treatment when they arrive -- up to an hour sooner than if
someone gets to the hospital by car. The staff is also trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. You'll get treated faster in the hospital if you come by
ambulance, too.
If you can't access the emergency medical services (EMS), have someone drive you to the hospital right away. If you're the one having symptoms, don't drive yourself,
unless you have no other option.
Cardiac arrest strikes immediately and without warning.
Here are the signs:
*Sudden loss of responsiveness. No response to gentle shaking.
*No normal breathing. The victim does not take a normal breath when you check for several seconds.
*No signs of circulation. No movement or coughing
If cardiac arrest occurs, call 9-1-1 and begin CPR immediately. If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available and some trained to use it is nearby, involve them.
Stroke Warning Signs
The American Stroke Association says these are the warning signs of stroke:
*Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
*Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
*Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
*Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
*Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.
If you or someone with you has one or more of these signs, don't delay! Immediately call 9-1-1 or the emergency medical services (EMS) number so an ambulance
(ideally with advanced life support) can be sent for you. Also, check the time so you'll know when the first symptoms appeared. It's very important to take immediate action.
If given within three hours of the start of symptoms, a clot-busting drug can reduce long-term disability for the most common type of stroke.