Union EMS Breaking News Clinical Care Capabilities Continue to Grow November 1, 2007:  Today Union EMS added yet another tool to its arsenal for treatment of medical emergencies in Union County.  Paramedics placed CPAP equipment on emergency response vehicles today to improve their ability to care for patients with severe respiratory distress and pulmonary edema.  Union EMS recently received state approval for the protocol to use this new equipment and following updated education on the equipment, the CPAP treatment is now available for certain types of respiratory distress.   Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is a form of noninvasive ventilatory support that is emerging in the prehospital setting as an effective treatment option for patients who need some support for breathing but can still maintain an airway. In cases of acute pulmonary edema from congestive heart failure, COPD and asthma exacerbations, it has been shown to decrease the need for endotracheal intubation and relieve symptoms.  It can get patients through their crisis without their having to be intubated, or at least buy some time until intubation is needed. CPAP is the most common form of noninvasive ventilatory support utilized in the prehospital environment because of the small size of the equipment needed and oxygen-powered generator. This addition follows protocol updates earlier this year that added adult intraosseous infusion, Cobra Rescue Airways, and important updates to our medication formulary to provide Union County citizens with some of the most advanced emergency care capabilities available. Heart Attack Warning Signs Some heart attacks are sudden and intense — the "movie heart attack," where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening: Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.    Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.    Shortness of breath. May occur with or without chest discomfort.   Other signs: These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness        As with men, women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain. If you or someone you're with has chest discomfort, especially with one or more of the other signs, don't wait longer than a few minutes (no more than 5) before calling for help. Call 9-1-1... Get to a hospital right away. Calling 9-1-1 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. Emergency medical services staff can begin treatment when they arrive -- up to an hour sooner than if someone gets to the hospital by car. The staff are also trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. For more information about heart attack and stroke, visit the American Heart Association website at www.americanheart.org.