February is Heart Month across Canada.
Heart disease is the second-leading cause of death for roughly 2.4 million Canadian adults.
Diania Parks with Saint John’s Ambulance says cardiac arrest symptoms vary slightly between men and women, but there are things to look out for.
She says chest pains, breathing issues and numbness in their jaw are typical signs.
“The best thing to do is to call 9-1-1, put this person at rest, and keep an eye on them,” she says.
“Because if they lose consciousness they will need CPR. They’ll need chest compressions and two breaths.”
Parks says everyone should have First-Aid training because they are the first line of defence for someone having a heart attack.
She says it helps recognizing signs and symptoms of a heart attack, like chest pains or breathing issues, and can save lives.
“That’s how important the role of a first-aider is – they’re really that first person to give help until medical help arrives.”
Heart disease is the second-leading cause of death for roughly 2.4 million Canadian adults.
Programs like Run to Quit, Carrot Rewards and Apple Schools are to support healthy living and help prevent chronic diseases in all ages.
