WAYNESBORO, Tenn. – When a heart attack strikes, every minute matters. To help community members learn how to save lives, Wayne Medical Center (WMC) will offer free education on Thursday, February 21. Two 30-minute programs will be held at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. in the hospital’s conference room.
“Time is of the essence when a heart attack begins. In order to increase a person’s chances of survival and lessen damage to the heart, it is vital for everyone to know the signs of a heart attack and how to begin life-saving care,” said Brenda Bishop, BSN, RN, coordinator of the chest pain program at Maury Regional Medical Center.
At the two upcoming programs, Bishop will provide a brief overview of the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Personnel with WMC Emergency Medical Services (EMS) will provide a demonstration of hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which can be performed by a family member or bystander while awaiting first responders.
“Studies have shown that hands-only CPR can increase the chance of survival for a victim of cardiac arrest when performed immediately and correctly,” said Sherry Ray, interim director of WMC EMS. “Our EMS staff members will demonstrate the correct placement of hands and rate of compressions for effective CPR.”
Community members are invited to attend the program of their choice at either 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. in the conference room located near the elevators on the hospital’s first floor. Refreshments will be provided.
For more information about this program, call 931.722.2021.