The holidays bring joy, along with a spike in this health risk

Today, when you catch that first whiff of turkey in the oven, it’s official. The holiday season is underway.

Ready or not!

Now, I would be the last one to put a damper on the joy. But every EMS worker knows a little secret about this season. And unfortunately, it’s not very joyful.

But if you know it, and you’re alert, you’ll be prepared to turn a crisis into genuine joy.

Stayin’ alive

EMS personnel call it heart attack season. From now through New Years, they’ll see more heart attacks than at any other time of year.

The causes of these attacks vary widely. Stress probably plays a role. Overindulging in rich foods, alcohol, and other temptations doesn’t help matters. We put exercise regimens on hold. We tend to get less sleep. Freezing temperatures might be a factor.

Whatever the reason, joy can quickly turn deadly serious. But we can save lives with quick CPR. And you can easily administer CPR without training. Most importantly, you don’t have to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

In fact, it’s better if you don’t.

Three different studies concluded that mouth-to-mouth is unnecessary. When someone gives CPR immediately, chest compression actually increases survival chances when mouth-to-mouth is not attempted.

So if you witness a heart attack, here’s the plan of action:

* Ask someone to call 911

* Position the victim on his back

* Place the heal of one hand on his breastbone

* Place the heal of your other hand on top of your first hand

* Position yourself directly over your hands, arms stiff

* Each compression should press down about 2 inches into the chest

Most importantly, compressions need to be hard and fast — about 100 compressions per minute.

As I’ve mentioned before, the American Heart Association actually recommends timing compressions to the beat of the Bee Gee’s song Stayin’ Alive. If you follow that rapid pace, you should get in at least 100 compressions per minute.

Also, “stayin’ alive” is the perfect mindset when helping someone survive a heart attack — especially during the holidays.

Sources:
“The Case Against Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation” Meredith Melnick, Time, 10/6/10, healthland.time.com