Do You Know The Facts About SCA?

It's important to know SCA (Sudden Cardiac Arrest) is and what it is not.  Take a moment to familiar yourself with this information.  

Approximately 50% of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) victims initially require de(fi)brillation. All require CPR. If you perform CPR immediately and use an automated external debrillator (AED) within minutes, you can double or triple a person’s chance of survival. 

Good chest compressions are essential because they move blood throughout the body to protect vital organs. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends a compression depth of greater than two inches, but not more than 2.4 inches. The ZOLL® AED Plus® with integrated Real CPR Help® guides rescuers with audible and visual prompts to “Push Harder” or gives them positive reinforcement that they have achieved “Good Compressions.”  (Other brands and models offer feedback functionality as well.)

https://info.zoll.com/ps-the-beat-oct-fy17?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=56953198&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8feCWadwgxLWRusZblaB6Hsnqtj6L7mbGMu4EShhW-LxacpHEX99kQ24Q
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It's important to know SCA (Sudden Cardiac Arrest) is and what it is not.  Take a moment to familiar yourself with this information.  Learn CPR.  Consider investing in an AED.  The life that's saved may the that of a customer, coworker, or loved one.  

#sca #aed #smallbusiness #cpr #aha

- Ginger Davis

Heartland CPR, llc

405-603-6666
www.HeartlandCPR.com

October is Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month

Did you know that last year more than 350,000 people in the U.S. were victims of sudden cardiac arrest and the overall survival rate was only 12%?1

Despite these startling statistics, SCA is often confused with another serious condition, a heart attack. Cardiac arrest differs in significant ways from a heart attack. In a heart attack, the blood supply to the heart muscle is suddenly blocked, resulting in the death of the heart muscle. Symptoms of a heart attack can vary; they may come on suddenly or start slowly and persist for hours, days, or weeks. Heart attack victims typically experience chest pain, discomfort in the back or jaw, nausea and/or vomiting, and typically remain conscious. Heart attacks are serious and can sometimes lead to SCA; however, SCA may occur independently from a heart attack and without warning signs.

Cardiac arrest can come on suddenly. The heart unexpectedly and abruptly stops beating properly when the heart’s electrical system malfunctions. This is usually caused by an abnormal heart rhythm called ventricular fibrillation (VF), in which the heart quivers and cannot effectively pump blood. The only effective treatment for VF is an electrical shock administered by an automated external defibrillator (AED) followed by high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

While the average age of heart attack victims is mid-60s, sudden cardiac arrest is unpredictable and can strike anyone, anywhere, anytime. Some risk factors include:

• Family history of cardiac arrest in a first-degree relative: two-fold increase in risk of SCA2

• Underlying coronary heart disease (CHD)3

• A personal or family history of inherited disorders that make you prone to arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythm)3

• A personal history of arrhythmias3

• Heart attack3

• Heart failure3

• Commotio cordis—a term referring to SCA resulting from a blow to the chest

• Drug or alcohol abuse

A report from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2012:125(1):188-197.

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Regardless of the cause, SCA results in death if not treated immediately.  It can, however be treated successfully with CPR, defibrillation, and advanced life support. Thus, access to AEDs is critically important to surviving SCA.  

“Statistical Update.” American Heart Association Website, www.cpr.heart.org/AHAECC/CPRAndECC/General/UCM_477263_Cardiac-Arrest-Statistics.jsp. Accessed 11 Aug 2017.

2Roger VL, Go AS, Lloyd-Jones DM. Executive Summary: Heart disease and stroke statistics-2012 update:

3National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, www.nhlbi.nih.gov.

source:  https://info.zoll.com/ps-the-beat-oct-fy17?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_

AEDs are more affordable than most people think.  If you've considered adding a life-saving device to your place of business, church, club, organization or home, contact us today!

- Ginger Davis
Heartland CPR, llc
405-603-6666
ww.HeartlandCPR.com

AED Financing Available

Have you wanted to put a life-saving AED in your place of business, sports organization, church, or even home but didn't have the funds?  We're excited to extend AED financing through a third party finance, Med One Group, to our customers.  Most payment plans for basic AEDs are around $45 per month and you own the equipment when it's paid off.  They even offer a handy payment calculator and other financing information to help you plan your purchase and budget!

http://www.medonegroup.com/heartsine

Contact us for more info or a quote today!

#aedfinancing #smallbusiness #cpr #aha

- Ginger Davis

Heartland CPR, llc

405-603-6666

www.HeartlandCPR.com

What Does It Mean To Be a "Dinosaur of EMS"?

The Dinosaurs of EMS are the old guys that have been in the industry and in emergency medicine for decades, watching it adapt, influencing change, and continuing to serve others today.  We have among us one such dinosaur.  Brian Davis first earned his EMT in 1987...after that his intermediate, then his paramedic; more recently, he returned to complete an additional college degree in Municipal Fire Protection.  He began his career at AmCare (if anyone still remembers that name), evolved with the changes that eventually became EMSA, did a stint in Dispatch, then went to work for the Office of the Medical Director, and landed at Edmond Fire Department where he serves as the EMS Chief over the EMS Division...in addition to picking up the occasional class as an instructor at Heartland CPR, where his style and off-kilter sense of humor set the cornerstone for our method of instruction. 

Dinosaur of EMS patch

Brian in the back of an ambulance, circa 1987

Brian's original EMT certificate, dated 9-11-87

Brian today, as our ACLS/PALS customers know him

Congrats to our very own "dinosaur" among for achieving this distinction in EMS, still making progress toward another decade, and making a difference every day.  We're proud of you, old man!

#dinosaurofems #emscareer #ems #smallbusiness #cpr #aha

- Ginger Davis

Heartland CPR, llc

405-603-6666

www.HearlandCPR.com

September is Emergency Preparedness Month

September is Emergency Preparedness month.  Disasters don't plan ahead so you have to.   We do what we can to help by discounting all first aid kits we sell to help you get prepared without breaking the bank.  Choose any of the kits we sell, pick up at our office during the month of September and we'll give you $5 off each!

As you prepare for our family during potential emergencies, don't forget to include your pets in the plan as well.  I(f you wish to take preparation a step further and invest in a life-saving AED (defibrillator), think of us first.  We sell devices from several trusted suppliers at pricing that no one locally or online can touch!

If you need guidance on emergency preparedness, check out this helpful link: https://www.ready.gov/september

If we can help in any way or hook you up with necessary supplies, give us a call or send us an email. We want to be your first source for emergency supplies.

#emergencypreparedness #firstaidkits #cprbarrier #smallbusiness #cpr #aha

- Ginger Davis
Heartland CPR, llc
405-603-6666
www.HeartlandCPR.com

What's the Deal With Online Training?

If you're considering online certification or "blended learning" options for your training, be careful!  We talk to individuals on a weekly basis that have fallen victim to one of the many scams out there promising 100% online training which is then not accepted by their employer...leaving them scrambling for legitimate training and out money for a worthless certification.  Many times the websites use tricky wording that almost sounds like they're affiliated with the American Heart Association (such as "based on AHA's latest science recommendations" or "program developed by former AHA instructors with input from physicians").  Make no mistake!  Nothing except AHA's highly structured certification is equivalent to (or even acceptable in most healthcare settings) an AHA certification.  

AHA has an option for those that want to do a portion of their training online and then attend the final step with a certified instructor such as Heartland CPR.  You can complete the lecture, video, and written test online and then do your skills session with us after that is complete.  Please understand that most customers who go that route end up disappointed when they learn that it saves them neither time or money once you add the two parts together (that was never the intent when AHA introduced the blended learning option).   If you choose to use the "blended learning", you can find AHA's online course here: www.onlineaha.org .  We’ll be happy to help whichever way you choose to get your AHA training.  

No legitimate training is 100% online and, unfortunately, educated people fall for it and then we hear from them after they’ve wasted a good deal of time and money when their employers won’t accept it (and really, when you think about it, would you want someone running a code on your kid or family member that got their certification online with no hands-on practice and never even proved their identity?).

AHA’s “blended learning” is what you’re looking at when you see BLS-S, ACLS-S or PALS-S on our schedule; after you complete the video, lecture, and test online you must come to an instructor such as us to complete the hands on portion; we charge $160 for our portion (the AHA is paid separately for the online piece).  It is not cheaper or quicker once you add the two parts together; in fact, most customers tell us quite the opposite and always say they’ll come to a live class next time.  Our live BLS Provider classes run $100 (all inclusive); ACLS-R and PALS-R refreshers run $240 (everything included, even the textbook) and is an option as long as you haven’t let your current ACLS/PALS certification lapse (there is no grace period per AHA policy) and your BLS must also be current since that is a prerequisite to the advanced disciplines; the full 2-day ACLS Provider or PALS Provider course is $300.  If you happen to need BLS as well and choose to take a live class for that with us, you get a 10% discount on your advanced discipline(s) of ACLS and/or PALS and there are even options where you can do both in a single day for refreshers or a couple days for the full course(s).  Don’t let it expire though because once you do, you are required to start over with the full 2-day class in each of those advanced disciplines.

Still have questions?  Contact us and we'll answer your questions and help you get into legitimate training that fits your schedule!

#onlinescams #onlinecprtraining #bls #acls #pals #smallbusiness #cpr #aha

- Ginger Davis

Heartland CPR, llc

405-603-6666

www.HeartlandCPR.com

What Do All the Letters Mean in EMS?

Ever wondered who does what within EMS?  It's not as complicated as it sounds.  Some general definitions are contained here:

There are four nationally defined levels of EMS professionals: Emergency Medical Responder (EMR or First Responder), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT or Intermediate) and Paramedic (sometimes categorized as EMT-P).  One can work their way through the ranks of EMS and often do.

There are 15, 276 ambulance services in the US. They use 840,669 ground vehicles.

The types of Systems in the US:

• Fire Department with cross-trained EMS personnel: 40%
• Government of Third Service: 14.5%
• Private Company: 18%
• Other: 8%
• Hospital-based service: 7% 
• Fire Department with separate EMS personnel: 9% 

Within our community, Fire and the transport authority EMSA work closely together.  Fire Departments that respond have EMTs and many paid departments today in our region staff with Paramedics as well.  Volunteer services in smaller, rural communities may operate with First Responders.  In some regions of the US, many of these agencies operate completely with volunteers despite the training and continuing education requirements at the higher levels of EMS.

Several of our instructors are Paramedics and others are Firefighter/EMTs.  We are proud to support those in critical positions within our community saving lives and minimizing suffering.  If you are in Police, Fire, or EMS, be sure to let us know when registering so that we can extend a 10% discount on your required training.

#ems #emt #paramedic #firefighter #police #firstresponder #smallbusiness #cpr #aha

- Ginger Davis
Heartland CPR, llc
405-603-6666
www.HeartlandCPR.com

The History of Defibrillation

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are often considered as self-explanatory as fire extinguishers.  All AHA training in CPR now includes training on the use of AEDs because they are beginniing to show up in more and more public spaces, buildings, and businesses.  Known as "public access AEDs" and intended for use by whoever can get there to help first much like a fire extinguisher, they are placed visibly and made publicly available in malls, schools, government buildings, and other large spaces in addition to the more expected locations within hospitals and medical clinics.  Today's AEDs are easy to use, relatively inexpensive, and available to anyone nearby.  When one considers the potential for lives saved, their impact cannot be overstated.  Let's take a look at how rapidly AEDs have gone from a theory, to a chance successful use, to widespread public availability.  

In 1947, Dr. Claude S. Beck successfully used defibrillation therapy and saved the first human life, a child 14 years whom was undergoing cardiac surgery for a heart defect.

In the 1930s Claude Beck perfected operations to improve heart circulation. When he performed cardiac surgery, the heart sometimes went into ventricular fibrillation. (Heart muscles fibrillated, or twitched and contracted rapidly, disrupting the normal rhythmic heartbeat.) Beck could massage the heart, but this did not always stop the fibrillation and the patient would die on the operating table. Desperate for a remedy, he learned that a colleague at Western Reserve, the physiologist Carl J. Wiggers, had maintained circulation in laboratory animals by manual massage of the heart, followed by electrical defibrillation at a suitable time. Beck concluded that using electric shock to counteract fibrillation and restore normal heart rhythm would work for humans, too. In 1947 he successfully revived a patient for the first time. Subsequently, patients were resuscitated outside the operating room as well; and finally, massage and defibrillation across the intact chest have made cardiac resuscitation available at any place or time. Defibrillators have since been used daily in hospital emergency rooms and EMS units across the country. 

source: http://artsci.case.edu/dittrick/online-exhibits/explore-the-artifacts/claude-beck-defibrillation-and-cpr/ 

Gone are the days that a medical doctor or other professional has to determine the rhythm of the victim's heart or carefully calculate the amount of electricity to be administered (measured in joules) to correct it.  All of that knowledge is being used behind the scenes as the device determines whether or not a shock is indicated.  Not all unhealthy heart rhythms are benefited by a shock and, as the AED operator, one doesn't even need to know or understand any of that...all that is expected is simply to follow the directions given, combining the use of the AED with high-quality CPR.  Directions are simple to follow and are given audibly and, on some devices, appear on a screen similar to a text message as well.  

More important than a perfect response to the heart-related emergency is a willingness to act...and act quickly!  For every minute that the heart goes without a shock when one is needed, the chances of survival decline rapidly...approximately 10% per minute.  In very general terms, a shock that is delayed by five minutes gives the victim approximately a 50% chance of survival.  

Since most sudden cardiac arrest occurs when it's least expected, why not consider equipping your business or home with device with the potential to save a life?  AEDs are more affordable than ever.  High quality AEDs from reputable manufacturers can be purchased for less than $1500 and those with greater functionality or special features such as increased durability or waterproof units run a little more.  For comparison purposes that we Okies can relate to...an AED can be purchased for about 1/3 to 1/2 the cost of a storm shelter and, statistically speaking, is more likely to save the life of a customer, co-worker, friend, or family member.  If you're ready to see how easy to use and affordable AEDs are today, we can help with that!

#defibrillation #aed #smallbusiness #cpr #aha

- Ginger Davis
Heartland CPR, llc
405-603-6666
www.HeartlandCPR.com

The Symbolism Behind The EMS Star of Life

Do you know the meaning behind the symbol that is used to signify EMS?  Known as the EMS Star of Life, each of the six points signify different things in the course of care.

The six points on the EMS Star of Life...in a clockwise rotation starting from 12 o'clock position:

1. Detection – The first rescuers on the scene, usually untrained civilians or those involved in the incident, observe the scene, understand the problem, identify the dangers to themselves and the others, and take appropriate measures to ensure their safety on the scene (environmental, electricity, chemicals, radiation, etc.). 

2. Reporting – The call for professional help is made and dispatch is connected with the victims, providing emergency medical dispatch.

3. Response – The first rescuers provide first aid and immediate care to the extent of their capabilities.

4. On scene care – The EMS personnel arrive and provide immediate care to the extent of their capabilities on-scene.

5. Care in Transit – The EMS personnel proceed to transfer the patient to a hospital via an ambulance or helicopter for specialized care. They provide medical care during the transportation.

6. Transfer to Definitive care – Appropriate specialized care is provided at the hospital.

Heartland CPR is a proud supporter of EMS and have a number of paramedics and EMT/Firefighters within our ranks as instructors.  If you are a customer that works in Fire, Police or EMS, let us know when you register so that we can extend a 10% discount on your training with us!

#ems #emt #paramedic #firefighter #police #firstresponder #smallbusiness #cpr #aha

- Ginger Davis
Heartland CPR, llc
405-603-6666
www.HeartlandCPR.com

History of the Nurses Cap

The white cap we associate with nurses immediately commands respect.  Those who have survived nursing school have their opinions about the cap's functionality and usually prefer to work in a setting with more lenient dress code, most commonly today colorful scrubs.  Still, one could bet they are still proud of the day they stood before family and friends in that cap signifying the culmination of all that hard work and dedication to their chosen field, ready to begin the career they have long prepared for.

Many don't know the history of that white cap but would likely find that quite interesting, as I did.

The nurse cap originated in the early Christian Era as a head covering for deaconesses that cared for the sick.  It is patterned after a nun’s habit to keep the hair neatly in place.  Religious organizations often provided nurse training to nuns, who acted as the first groups of organized nurses in medieval Europe.  This type of headdress was worn to show that they worked in the service of caring for the sick.  The head covering was more like a veil, but it later evolved into the nursing cap in the Victorian era.  During the 1800's head covering evolved into the more familiar white cap that was first used by Florence Nightingale.  Although this clothing item has long been phased out as it is known to carry pathogens, some countries still use this as part of the female nurses’ outfit.  Present day, the nursing cap is usually worn only for ceremonial purposes.

-excerpts from http://www.onlyanurse.com/nursingtopics/2015/6/20/the-history-of-the-nurses-hat 

If you've been to our office for training, you have probably seen our collection of antique medical equipment and memorabilia.  Among those items, you'll find a couple of different examples of nurses' hats dating back to the second World War.  

If you're a lover of antiques and history like we are, be sure to come check out our collection sometime...or, better yet, schedule a class with us at our office and update your life-saving skills while you're here!

#nursinghistory #nurse #smallbusiness #cpr #aha

- Ginger Davis

Heratland CPR, llc

405-603-6666

www.HeartlandCPR.com