THE BARTON
AMBULANCE "CHAIN OF SURVIVAL"
The American Heart Association has a instituted a program called the Chain of Survival. The chain's purpose is to provide a system whereby someone having a heart-attack stands a better chance of survival and recovery.
The Barton Ambulance Squad firmly believes that the chain of survival can save lives.
To improve the chance of survival for the citizen's and guests of our area, we have implemented the "Barton Area Chain of Survival" (BACS).
The Barton Area Chain of Survival are the specific programs put in place by the Barton Ambulance Squad, Inc. to increase the chance of survival of a heart-attack and improve the likelihood of a substantial recovery after the heart-attack.
There are four steps to the chain:
1. Early Access to Care.
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 the people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are some of the 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 This feeling often comes along with chest discomfort. But it can occur before the chest discomfort.
Other Signs These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
Stroke Warning Signs:
Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
If you or someone else is having a heart attack, dial 911. When you reach the 911 operator, tell them who you are, where you are (give a cross street if you can), tell them that someone is having a heart-attack, give them the phone number you are calling from, and please stay on the line until the 911 operator hangs up or tells you to hang up.
In the late 1990's the State of Vermont went to an enhanced 911 (E911) system. Part of that effort involved re-numbering many houses and renaming some streets. Make sure that your NEW house number is clearly displayed using 4 inch reflective numbers and is easily seen from the street.
2. Early Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.
Learn CPR! We firmly believe that every member of every household in Barton should know CPR. CPR teaches you skills that are not only important if someone goes into cardiac arrest (meaning that their heart has stopped beating), but also useful if someone has an obstructed airway (meaning they are choking). See below for more information about CPR classes.
3. Early Defibrillation.
Unfortunately, the State of Vermont does not allow non-certified persons to utilized Automated Defibrillators, however, nearly every EMS Agency in the State has one including the Barton Ambulance Squad. According to the American Heart Association, a person in cardiac arrest stands a better chance of survival if they receive immediate CPR and defibrillation within 5 minutes of cardiac arrest. Studies have shown there is a 50% chance of survival if CPR is started immediately and defibrillation provided within 5 minutes. Each passing minute reduces the chance of survival by 7% to 10%. Barton Ambulance is proud that these machines have been made available to us so that the chance of survival of a heart-attack is greatly improved.
4. Early Advanced Care.
Since the mid 1980's the Barton Ambulance Squad has offered Intermediate level care. This program provides the residents of Barton and the surrounding area the best emergency care available to them at this time. Very shortly after the 911 center receives a call for help, experienced EMT-I's are on the way to provide help. Thus, in most cases, advance care is available to the patient within a short time of the call for help.
All aspects of the chain are in place today. The E911 system provides a centralized dispatching system via the Vermont State Police in Derby for the Barton Ambulance Squad and surrounding EMS providers. CPR courses are provided by several agencies, such as the Red Cross and American Heart Association. In addition, the Barton Ambulance Squad offers a complete set of CPR classes. This is an ongoing effort by the Ambulance Squad to provide CPR and First Aid education to the public.