If you or a loved one experience these symptoms, Call 9-1-1 immediately! Do not wait to see if they go away, you or a loved one may be minutes away from sudden cardiac death.

• Chest Pain - Most cardiac arrests 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 you 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 Symptoms - These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

Many people who experience cardiac arrest can be saved if the patient receives immediate treatment. If you see someone collapse, it could be cardiac arrest.

• Call 9-1-1 immediately
  
• Begin CPR if you know how
  
• Use an AED if one is available and you know how to use it.

If you don't know CPR, now is the time to learn.  Orange County Fire Rescue offers free CPR classes to citizens. Visit our Citizen CPR page to view dates and times of our next Citizen CPR class.

The first step in preventing sudden cardiac death starts long before the first symptom.

• Quit Smoking
  
• Eat a heart healthy diet
  
• Exercise regularly
  
• Control your blood pressure.  The Orange County Fire Rescue Department offers free blood pressure screenings at all fire stations.
  
• Keep regular appointments with your doctor, listen to his or her advice and be open and honest with any concerns you have.