Every second counts during a heart attack. In these critical moments, knowing how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can make the difference between life and death.

Perham Area Emergency Medical Services paramedic Corey Nelson, NREMT-Paramedic, FP-C, CCP-C, shares the importance of starting CPR before the ambulance arrives. “When someone collapses and their heart stops, starting CPR can save that person’s life. Waiting for the ambulance to arrive without intervening is often too late.”

Start CPR Before the Ambulance Gets There

During a heart attack, the heart cannot pump blood effectively, depriving the brain and vital organs of oxygen. CPR helps maintain blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain and other organs until professional help arrives.

“Emergency Medical Services (EMS) teams do their best to respond quickly, but sometimes people live far out in the country, or it may take a bit to get the ambulance through town. Bystanders who start CPR are the first line of defense,” says Corey.

“I remember a man who was swimming laps, but he didn’t feel right and collapsed on the side of the pool. A fellow swimmer saw him go down and called 911. He started CPR while a second person ran to get the AED machine. An AED is an automated external defibrillator that helps shock a person’s heart. We [EMS] arrived just as they were putting the AED on him, so we shocked him, and he sat straight up. He talked to me the whole way into the hospital and made a complete recovery due to those bystanders taking action,” remembered Corey.

Don’t Be Afraid to Do CPR

Unfortunately, many people hesitate to act because they lack training, confidence, or fear they will do something wrong.

“Even imperfect CPR is better than no CPR at all. If you don’t want to give the breaths, do the chest compressions. If you’re not sure if there is a pulse, start CPR if they are unresponsive. Don’t worry about hurting someone. They can heal, but they can’t heal if they are dead,” Corey advises.

If you’re unsure how to perform CPR, don’t let that stop you from acting. Call 911. Dispatchers are trained to guide callers through every step, from checking for a pulse to performing chest compressions. They’ll keep you focused and calm during what can feel like a chaotic situation. AED machines also walk you through every step needed to use the machine.

Recognize Heart Attack Symptoms and Act Early

Recognizing early symptoms of a heart attack is essential. Symptoms such as:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
• Pain in your neck, arm, jaw, back
• Unexplained fatigue
• Excessive sweating for no reason
• Nausea

People experiencing any of the above should never ignore these symptoms. Don’t be afraid to get help. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Call 911 for help, and don’t try to drive yourself to the hospital.

Preventing heart attacks before they occur is as important as knowing how to respond.

Get CPR Trained

CPR training can dramatically improve survival rates. Many organizations offer affordable or free CPR certification courses, including schools, workplaces, and community centers. “Contact Perham Health EMS, and if we can get enough people, we will do it,” says Corey.

Save a Life

Individuals can save lives by learning CPR, recognizing heart attack symptoms of cardiac distress, and responding swiftly. Corey says, “You mustn’t wear a uniform to be a hero. All it takes is the willingness to learn and act.”

“I remember another man who had a heart attack on the treadmill. Someone saw him go down. He called 911, and the dispatcher walked him through how to do CPR. He also used the AED machine at the gym and shocked the unresponsive man two times before EMS got there. By the time we got there, he had a pulse. He saved this guy’s life,” says Corey.

Take the step today to get CPR certified. The life you save could be that of a friend, family member, or stranger in desperate need.

Learn more about Perham Area EMS services.

Watch the American Heart Association’s Only CPR in 60 Seconds.