Tips

Save a Heart Program

The Washington County-Johnson City EMS “Save a Heart Program” is aimed at increasing the awareness of the public abut sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) events and to promote training in CPR and the use of AED’s and to increase access to AED’s in the community.

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is one of the leading causes of death among adults in North America. Each year, it claims the lives of a quarter of a million people in the United States alone. Once every one or two minutes, another American succumbs suddenly, without warning. Most victims of sudden cardiac arrest are middle-aged or elderly. Though the average victim is about 65 years old, some victims are in their 30s or 40s. Most collapse at home. For many, there is no previous history of heart problems. Sudden cardiac arrest is often the first symptom. Although victims of sudden cardiac arrest tend to fit in certain categories, sudden cardiac arrest, by its nature, is completely unpredictable. It can strike anyone, anywhere, any time. Chances are you know someone who has experienced sudden cardiac arrest – a friend, a relative or a co-worker.

Sudden cardiac arrest does not have to result in “sudden death.” When sudden cardiac arrest occurs, most victims have an abnormal heart rhythm called ventricular fibrillation (VF). When the heart is in this state, it cannot beat in a coordinated fashion and blood does not circulate to the heart and the brain. First, the pulse stops. Then, breathing stops. The victim loses consciousness, collapses and appears lifeless. But the victim doesn’t have to stay that way. Ventricular fibrillation is a treatable rhythm. In this state, electrical energy is present in the heart, but it is chaotic. If the heart can be shocked quickly with a defibrillator, a normal heart rhythm may be restored. This is called defibrillation. If this shock is delivered within minutes after collapse, many victims can survive.

The Key Is to Be Quick. Studies conducted at cardiac rehabilitation centers have shown that when sudden cardiac arrest victims in ventricular fibrillation receive CPR and defibrillation therapy within the first minute or two after collapse, more than 90 percent survive to be discharged from the hospital.

The American Heart Association Chain of Survival outlines the five critical steps needed during a sudden cardiac arrest event. A strong Chain of Survival can improve chances of survival and recovery for victims of heart attack, stroke and other emergencies. The quicker we can implement these five steps the greater the chance of surviving the sudden cardiac arrest event.

AED & CPR Programs

The 5 links in the adult Chain of Survival are:

• Immediate recognition of cardiac arrest and activation of the emergency response system
• Early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with an emphasis on chest compressions
• Rapid defibrillation
• Effective advanced life support
• Integrated post-cardiac arrest care

Washington County – Johnson City EMS is committed to increasing public awareness about Cardiac Arrest Events and the Chain of Survival. Through the “Save a Heart Program” EMS will be offering monthly CPR & AED classes for community groups, civic organization, churches, and individuals. The classes will include instruction in community Adult, Child, and Infant CPR as well as AED training. The courses will be four hours in length and include both hands-on training as well as lecture and video instruction. Participants in the program will receive CPR certification for two years and a wallet card. Participants are encouraged to renew their training every two years to keep up with the ever-changing guidelines, practices, and techniques.

Classes will be offered on the third Saturday of every month from 1:00pm to 5:00pm at the Washington County – Johnson City EMS Training Center at 204 Wesley Street, Johnson City, TN. EMS will provide all supplies and instructors for the course and the only cost will be a certification fee of $15. Interested individuals can sign up for a course by calling 423-975-5500 Monday through Friday 8:00-4:30. Class sizes are limited to twelve (12) students and will be filled on a first come first serve basis.

The CPR & AED courses are focused on the individual who may be faced with a cardiac arrest event in their daily lives either at home, at work, or just out shopping and are not meant for the Medical Professional. Medical Professional, industry, or other professional organizations that require AED & CPR for the Healthcare Providers may request those classes on site for their organization. EMS will be happy to put you in contact with one of our instructors to assist you in setting up your class.

In addition to the CPR and AED training WC-JC EMS is proud to offer an AED loaner program. Schools, businesses, civic organizations, churches, etc.. may borrow an AED from EMS at no charge for up to 72 hours for special events. The borrowing entity must provide proof of AED and CPR training for individuals who will be in attendance at the event as well as sign an agreement for the AED. We feel this is a great program to get more AED’s into our community during events where there may be a large gathering.

To request an AED you can contact WC-JC EMS at 423-975-5500 or you can download the application below.

AED Registration Form:

AED Loaner Application
AED Operations Plan
AED Program Compliance Materials
AED Rules
AED-EMS law

Flood Safety

Flooding is the leading cause of weather related death world wide. On average there are 68 deaths in the United States annually related to flooding. In 2012 alone there were 29 deaths from flooding and over $500 million dollars in damage. ?0% of flood related deaths are due to drivers driving into flooded roadways and becoming stranded and trapped. Washington County ?Johnson City EMS and the National Weather Services recommends drivers keep out of any flooded roadways and adhere to all posted signs, barriers and warnings. During a flood you have not way of knowing how deep the water is or if the roadway has been washed away. Please take a moment to watch the informative video and always remember “Turn Around Don’t Drown”.

Boating Safety Tips: Boater Education & Resources for Safe Family Fun

No matter how much experience you have, it’s always a good idea for everyone to review boating safety rules before departures. Read below to familiarize yourself with these 10 basic boating safety tips:

1.   Be Weather-wise
Always check local weather conditions before departure- TV and radio forecasts can be a good source of information. If you notice darkening clouds, volatile and rough changing winds, or sudden drops in temperature, play it safe by getting off the water.

2.   Follow a Pre-Departure Checklist
Proper boating safety means being prepared for any possibility on the water. From compliance with fire safety regulations to tips for fueling up, following a pre-departure checklist is the best way to make sure no boating safety rules or precautions have been forgotten.

3.   Use Common Sense
One of the most important parts of boating safety is to use your common sense. This means operating at a safe speed at all times, especially in crowded areas. Be alert at all times, and steer clear of large vessels and watercraft that can be restricted in their ability to stop or turn. Also be respectful of buoys and other navigational aids, all of which have been placed there for one reason only- to ensure your own boating safety.

4.   Designate an Assistant Skipper
Make sure more than only one person on board is familiar with all aspects of your boat’s handling, operations, and other boating safety tips. If the primary navigator is injured or incapacitated in any way, it’s important to make sure someone else can follow the proper boating safety rules to get everyone else back to shore.

5.   Develop a Float Plan
Whether you choose to inform a family member or staff at your local marina, always be sure to let someone else know your float plan. This should include where you’re going and how long you’re going to be gone.
A float plan can include the following information: name, address, and phone number of trip leader; name and phone number of all passengers; boat type and registration information; trip itinerary; and types of communication and signal equipment onboard.

6.   Make Proper Use of Lifejackets
Did you know that the majority of drowning victims are the result of boating accidents were found not to be wearing a Lifejacket? Make sure that your family and friends aren’t part of this statistic by assigning and fitting each member of your onboard team with a lifejacket-prior to departure.

7.   Avoid Alcohol
Practice boating safety at all times by saving the alcohol for later. The probability of being involved in a boating accident doubles when alcohol is involved, and studies have also shown that the affect of alcohol is exacerbated by external effects such as sun and wind.

8.   Learn to Swim
If you’re going to be in and around the water, proper boating safety means knowing how to swim. Local organizations such as the American Red Cross and others offer training for all ages and abilities- check to see what classes are offered in your area.

9.   Take a Boating Course
Beginning boaters and experienced experts alike need be familiar with boating safety rules of operation. Boater education requirements vary by state- some require validated completion of at least one boating safety course. Regardless of your individual state’s requirements, it’s always important to be educated, aware and prepared for every circumstance that might arise. You can learn boating safety rules by taking a local community course, or there are online tutorials to help educate novice boaters.

10.   Consider a Free Vessel Safety Check
Take advantage of a free Vessel Safety Check from the US Coast Guard (see links below). They offer complimentary boat examinations to verify the presence and condition of certain Safety Equipment required by State and the Federal regulations. Free of charge, they’ll provide a specialist to check out your boat and make helpful boating safety tips and recommendations. They also offer virtual online safety checks as well.

Until Help Arrives