Each year the scouts like to remind me that I’m not getting any younger… As a Scoutmaster, I too do my best to keep myself physically strong. I work out in the mornings, try to eat healthy (with sneaking the occasional burger from In N’ Out), and I get my regular checkups from the Dr. But nature sometimes has it’s own agenda, especially when you are being reminded that you were born before cell phones! In my opinion, my heart is the first thing that I need to look after. I only have one, and when it stops… well… you know.

Within the First Class requirements, First Aid merit badge, along with the Webelos First Responder, they ask you to do some research on heart attacks and the 5 warning sings of a heart attack. Here are my findings:

According to Penn Medicine

1. Pressing or squeezing sensation in the center of the chest, lasting more than a few minutes

2. Neck, jaw, back, or stomach discomfort or pain

3. Arm or shoulder discomfort or pain, felt in one or both arms

4. Shortness of breath

5. Lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, and/or breaking into cold sweat

Any combination of these symptoms should be taken seriously.

Call 9-1-1 !!!

Also, according to Penn Medicine, “people who call 9-1-1 for a heart attack typically receive emergency medical services much faster than those who drive to the hospital.”

(https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/heart-and-vascular-blog/2018/august/signs-of-a-heart-attack)