By RANDY RICHMAN
February plays host to multiple national safety awareness campaigns, including American Heart Month and National Burn Awareness Week.
The American Heart Association’s American Heart Month warns us of the signs and symptoms associated with heart attack and stroke.
Heart attack and stroke are life-and-death emergencies where every second counts. If you see or have any of the listed symptoms, immediately call 9-1-1.
Not all of the signs listed below occur in every heart attack or stroke. Sometimes, symptoms go away and return. If some occur, get help fast.
Heart attack warning signs Include, but are not limited to:
Pain or discomfort in the chest – uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain – or in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach.
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
Cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
Sudden loss of responsiveness.
Use the acronym “F.A.S.T.” to identify the signs and symptoms of a stroke:
F for facial drooping, where one side of the face will droop or be numb.
A for arm weakness or numbness.
S for speech difficulty.
T for time, as in call 9-1-1 immediately if a person shows any of the above symptoms, even if they go away.
The American Burn Association sponsors National Burn Awareness Week, Feb. 4-10.
Burn injuries are one of the leading causes of unintentional death and injury in the United States, with one civilian fire death occurring every two hours and 35 minutes.
Seventy-three percent of burn injuries treated at a burn center occurred in the home. Children under five are more than two times as likely to suffer burn injuries that require emergency medical treatment.
Be aware of burn hazards in and around your home. Heaters, open flames, matches, lighters, electrical sources, cooking, bath water, ovens, and appliances can all be sources of a burn. Ensure your family’s safety by recognizing and addressing any burn sources in your home.
Randy Richman is a captain in the Brookfield Township Volunteer Fire Department, a part-time Brookfield firefighter and paramedic, and a firefighting instructor.
Of hearts and burns
By RANDY RICHMAN