THE UK’S leading first aid charity is urging Malvern residents to watch and share a video showing the crucial signs to look for in recognising a heart attack.
St John Ambulance, which teaches first aid skills to thousands of people and children across the country, has made the short six-second clip to help reduce the amount of heart attack deaths by highlighting the key signs.
The clip, which can be seen on the charity’s website, shows the crucial difference between a life lost and a life saved and the charity wants as many people to watch it as their New Year’s resolution for 2014.
The symptoms of a heart attack are known as the ‘Four Ps’ – pain (in the chest), pulse (weak or rapid), pale (ashen skin) and perspiration (or profuse sweating).
If these signs are spotted swiftly and appropriate treatment is given, a heart attack may not lead to a potentially fatal cardiac arrest when the person stops breathing and requires resuscitation.
Keith Hunter, regional director for St John Ambulance in the West Midlands, said: “We want to give people the chance to make an achievable and potentially life saving New Year resolution.
“Help us reduce heart attack deaths by watching our quick steps on how to spot a heart attack, and share it with your friends. We hope it isn’t but this could be the year you need to use it.”
Visit www.sja.org.uk/4ps to see the video.
