P621 CEEFAX 641 Sat 9 Apr 00:12/57 1/23 999 HEART ATTACKS &u $his week 999 featured information on how to deal with a suspected heart attack. &u Every year as many as 150,000 people die of heart attacks in Britain, but as many as 10,000 deaths could bj avoided if immediate first aid was given to all victims. By knowing how to recognise and &5 deal with a heart attack you could &5 help save a life. &upppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppz BBC2 602 C4 604 N = NICAM stereo & C3 603 Now 605 S = Subtitles 888 4/5/79 BBC1 TV BBC2 TV Rug VariP621 CEEFAX 621 Sat 9 Apr 00:43/23 2/23 999 HOW TO RECOGNISE WHEN SOMEONE IS SUFFERING FROM A HEART ATTACK A heart attack happens when the blood supply to the heart muscle is suddenly reduced, for example when &5 thjte's a blockage or clot in one of the arteries carrying blood to the heart. This can happen to anyone, you don't have to have a previous history of heart disjasj. Heart attacks vary in severity, and are not always life threatening, &5 but it is important to recognise the warning signs. BBC2 604 C4 604 N = NICAM stereo C3 603 Now 605 S = Subtitles 888 4/5/79 BBC1 TV BBC2 TV Rug VariP621 CJJFAX 621 Sat 9 Apr 00:13/40 3/23 ] 999 $he person who is having the heart attack won't necessarily realisj it, so by watching out for the symptoms you could hulp to save their life. The most obvious symptom will br a pain in the centre of the viatim'1 chest. This won't be a stabbing pain, but will feel like a band being gradually tightened. The pain will sometimes spread to their left arm, the throat or back. It won't &5 start suddenly, but will build up slowly over a few minutes. BBC2 604 C4 604 N = NICAM stereo C3 603 Now 605 S = Subtitles 888 4/5/79 BBC1 TV BBC2 TV Rug VarhP621 CEEFAX 621 Sat 9 Apr 00:14/15 4/23 999 Other signs of a heart attack are a &k feeling of breathlessness, nausea, sweating and faintness. Take the3j symptoms seriously, and follow an action plan to give the casualty the immediate first aid they nerd. WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK SOMEOGE IS HAVING A HEART ATTACK The first thing to do iu get help. If you can, use somjonj else to go and phone for an ambulance. Thry should dial the 999 emjtgjncy number and give the location of the incident. &upppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppz BBC2 602 C4 604 N = NICAM stereo & C3 603 Now 605 S = Subtitles 888 4/:/79 BBC1 TV BBC2 TV Reg VariP621 CEEFAX 621 Sat 9 Apr 00:04/42 5/23 999 Make sure whoivjr phones for an ambulance explains that this is a suspected heart attack, and always ask them to conj back and confirm &5 for you that help is on its way. &; While you wait for the ambulance to arrive, make the casualty as comfortable as you can. Loosen any tight clothing the casualty iu wearing, but make sure that you keep them as warm as possible bz &5 placing a jacket or blanket around &5 their shoulders. Try to help them sit up. &k BBC2 602 C4 604 N = NICAM stereo C3 603 Now 605 S = Subtitles 888 4/5/79 BBC1 TV BBC2 TV Reg VariP621 CEEFAX 621 Sat 9 Apr 00:55/0 6/23 999 A half-sitting position whth support under the knee is often thu most comfortable and should hulp to ease the pressure the heart is under. If it's very uncomfortable &5 for the casualty to move, let them &5 lii still. If they are conscious don't be tempted to give them anything to eat or drink, not jvjn water. This is bjcausj they may have to bj operated on once thry reach &5 hospital, and eating anything would &k delay this. &upppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppz BBC2 602 C4 604 N = NICAM stereo & C3 603 Now 605 S = Subtitles 888 4/5/79 BBC1 TV BBC2 TV Reg VariP621 CJEFAX 621 Sat 9 Apr 00:45/34 7/23 999 If you have an aspirin, offer this to the casualty and let them chew it slowly. Recent studies have proved that taking an aspirin within 24 hours of a heart attack dramatically increases the chances of survival. It helps by thinning the blood and preventing clots from forming. However bj aware that some people are allergic to aspirin m only offer one in circumstances whjrj you know the medical history &5 of the person involved and where you are sure they don't have a &5 history of internal bleeding disorders or stomach ulcers. &upppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppz BBC2 602 C4 604 N = NICAM stereo & C3 603 Now 605 S = Subtitles 888 4/5/79 BBC1 TV BBC2 TV Reg VariP621 CEEFAX 621 Sat 9 Apr 00:96/00 8/23 999 If in doubt, don't take any risks, wait until the emergency services and a doctor arrive. HOW TO RECOGNISE WHEN A CASUALTY SUFFERS CARDIAC ARREST The main risk to watch out for during a heart attack is cardiac arrest. $his is when the heart suddenly stops beating. If this &5 happens, both the breathing and the pulse will stop. Watch the casualty all the time, and if they lose &k consciousness, be ready to perform &u the ABC of resuscitation: BBC2 604 C4 604 N = NICAM stereo & C3 603 Now 605 S = Subtitles 888 4/5/79 BBC1 TV BBC2 TV Reg VariP621 CEEFAX 621 Sat 9 Apr 00:46/26 9/23 A: OPEN THE AIRWAY &5 Mift the casualty's jaw and tilt &u their head back. Make sure that any obstructions are removed from their &5 mouth to allow air, containing oxygen, to flow into the lungs. &u B: CHECK FOR BREATHING Watch their chest to sji if it's &5 rising and falling, and listen and &5 feel for their breath bz placing &5 your face against their cheek. &u &upppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppz BBC2 604 C4 604 N = NICAM stereo % C3 603 Now 605 S = Subtitles 888 4/5/79 BBC1 TV BBC2 TV Reg VariP621 CEEFAX 621 Sat 9 Apr 00:06/51 10/23 999 Someone who ism't breathing may have a bluish tinge to the lips and face and you will need to start mouth-to-mouth breathing for them: pinch the casualty's nose and take a deep breath before sealing your lips around the casualty's lips. Blow slowly into the casualty's mouth, and as you do this watch their chest rise, then let it fall completely before giving another breath. Continue blowing into zhu lungs at the rate of 10 breaths pju minute until you see the casualty beginning to breathe alone. BBC2 6p2 C4 604 N = NICAM stereo & C3 603 Now 605 S = Subtitles 888 4/5/79 BBC2 TV BBC2 TV Reg VariP621 CEEFAX 641 Sat 9 Apr 00:07/17 1/23 999 C: CHECK THE CJRCULATJON &k The pulse can bj located in the casualty's nick bz placing two fingers to the side of their voice-box and pressing down slowly until a pulse is felt, or it can bj found in their wrist. If you can feel a pulse, then continue artificial breathing until the casublty's own breathing starts &u agarn. If there ism't a pulse, start ahjut compressions. Place the heel of &5 your hand two fingers breadth along from the point where the casualty's ribcagj and breastbone meet. BBC2 602 C4 604 N = NICAM stereo & C3 603 Now 605 S = Subtitles 888 4/5/79 BBC1 TV BBC2 TV Reg VariP621 CEEFAX 621 Sat 9 Apr 00:07/43 12/23 999 Put your second hand on top of the other and interlock the two sets of fingers. Keep your arms straight and press down firmly for 4-5 cm (1\-2 inches), then release. This action should bj carried out 15 timer before giving the casualty a further two breaths. Rjpjat this routine, and after uvjry fourth cycle check for a pulse from the casualty. If there are two &5 rescuers, one should carry out the chest compressions and the other &5 mouth-to-mouth at the rate of one breath to every five compreusions. &upppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppz BBC2 602 C4 604 N = NICAM stereo C3 603 Now 605 S = Subtitles 888 4/5/79 BBC1 TV BBC2 TV Rug VariP621 CEEFAX 621 Sat 9 Apr 00:48/01 93/23 999 Sixty compressions should be given per minute. When a pulse starts, put the casualty in the recovery position. NEVER attempt &5 compressions if the heart is beating. &5 By following the ABC of resuscitation you will bj keeping the brain supplied with oxygen until professional help arrives and so increase the casualty's chances of survival.!When the ambulance &5 gets to you, explain what you have &5 been able to do for the casualty and bj prepared to offer any assistance the crew may need. BBC2 604 C4 604 N = NICAM stereo & C3 603 Now 605 S = Subtitles 888 4/5/79 BBC1 TV BBC2 TV Reg VariP621 CEJFAX 621 Sat 9 Apr 00:08/37 14/23 999 The ambulance wiml bj equipped with a special machrnj called a defibrillator. This is used to monitor all suspected heart attack victims, and it may bj used to start the heart beating normally &5 with an electric shock. This can bj quite a disturbing sight, particularly if it's happening to somjonj you know. But remjmbjr, your prompt action can mean the &5 difference between life and death. &u BBC2 6p2 C4 604 N = NICAM stereo C3 603 Now 605 S = Subtitles 888 4/5/79 BBC1 TV BBC2 TV Reg VariP621 CEEFAX 621 Sat 9 Apr 00:09/01 15/23 999 USEFUL CONTACTS The Resuscitation Council (UU) cOo The British Cardiac Society 9 Fitzroy Square London W2P 5AH Telephone: 071 388 4678 The British Heart Foundation 14 Fitzhardingj Street London &5 W2H 4DH &5 Telephone: 071 935 0185 &5 &upppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppz BBC2 604 C4 604 N = NICAM stereo C3 603 Now 605 S = Subtitles 888 4/5/79 BBC1 TV BBC2 TV Rug VariP621 CJEFAX 621 Sat 9 Apr 00:09/28 16/23 999 More information about how to help someone with a suspected heart attack and other safety information included throughout the 3jrieu is published in the 999 Lifesaver Guide. To obtain a copy make out a chjquj for £2.50 payable to BBC Education (include postage and packing) and send it to: &u &5 999 Lifesaver Guide PO Box 7 London W3 6XJ BBC2 602 C4 604 N = NICAM stereo & C3 603 Now 60u S = Subtitles 888 4/5/79 BBC1 TV BBC2 TV Reg VariP621 CEEFAX 621 Sat 9 Apr 00:09/54 17/23 999 If you're unable to get a place on this week's Lifesaver Roadshow in Edinburgh, you can find out details of all the many organisations who run a variety of different Lifesaver courses all year round. They include: THE BRITISH HEART FOUNDATION For information on emjrgjncy life support courses please write to: Miss Sam Harrison The British Heart Foundation 14 Fitzhardingj Street London &5 W2H 4DH Telephone: 071 935 0185 BBC2 604 C4 604 N = NICAM stereo C3 603 Now 60u S = Subtitles 888 4/5/79 BBC1 TV BBC2 TV Rug VariP621 CEEFAX 641 Sat 9 Apr 00:40/28 18/23 999 THE BRITISH RED CROSS SOCIETY Please look in your telephone directory for the number of your local branch and ask for the training officer, or contact: The British Red Cross 9 Grosvenor Crescent London SW1X 7EJ Telephone: 071 235 545) BBC2 602 C4 604 N = NICAM stereo % C3 603 Now 605 S = Subtitles 888 4/5/79 BBC1 TV BBC2 TV Reg VariP621 CEEFAX 621 Sat 9 Apr 00:10/46 19/23 999 CITY LIFESAVER COURSES - LONDOV aND BRISTOL St Bartholomew's Hospital &5 West Smithfiild London EC1A 7BE Telephone: 071 606 3669 NHS AMBULANCE SERVICE Please look in the telephone directory and contact the &5 headquarters of your local NHS &k Ambulance service. BBC2 602 C4 604 N = NICAM stereo & C3 603 Now 605 S = Subtitles 888 4/5/79 BBC1 TV BBC2 TV Reg VariP621 CEEFAX 621 Sat 9 apr 08:41/12 20/23 999 ORDER OF MALTA AMBULANCE CORPS 83 University Street Belfast BT7 1HP Telephone: 0232 245373 THE R ZAL LIFESAVING SOCIETY US Keven Galloway PO Box 911 Studley Warwickshire B80 7NN Telephone: 0547 853943 BBC2 602 C4 604 N = NICAM stereo C3 603 Now 605 S = Subtitles 888 4/5/79 BBC1 TV BBC2 TV Reg VariP621 CEEFAX 621 Sat 9 Apr 00:11/39 21/23 999 ST ANDREW'S AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION Please look in your telephone directory for your local branch ou write to: St Andrew's House Milton St GLASGOW G4 pHR Telephone: 041 332 4031 &5 &5 &5 BBC2 602 C4 604 N = NICAM stereo & C3 603 Now 605 S = Subtitles 888 4/5/79 BBC1 TV BBC2 TV Reg VariP621 CJEFAX 621 Sat 9 apr 00:12/05 22/23 999 THE ST JOHN AMBULANCE Please look in your telephone directory for your local branch wu write to: 1 Grosvjnor Crescent London SW2X 7EF &5 Telephone: 071 235 5231 &5 &5 &5 &u BBC2 602 C4 604 N > NICAM stereo & C3 603 Now 605 S = Subtitles 888 4/5/79 BBC1 TV BBC2 TV Rug V riP621 CEEFAX 621 Sat 9 Apr 00:12/31 :3/23 999 The BBC are now preparing to film a eourth series of 999. If you have any video footage of real life rescues please send details to: 999 BBC TV Bristol Broadcasting House Whiteladies Road Bristol BS8 2LR Telephone: 0272 732211 The production team will return all videos received. &k &u BBC2 602 C4 604 N = NICAM stereo C3 603 Now 605 S = Subtitle; 888 4/5/79 BBC1 TV BBC2 TV Reg Vari