AMR Reinforces the Importance of Early Action in Cardiac Emergencies

American Medical Response (AMR) Bozeman, a division of Global Medical Response (GMR), is at the forefront of pre-hospital cardiac emergency care, responding to tens of thousands of cardiac emergencies annually. Cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death among adults in the United States, and survival often depends on how quickly emergency treatment begins.

“Early intervention is critical, and bystander action can significantly improve survival rates,” said Michelle Dorough, NRP (Nationally Registered Paramedic), FP-C (Flight Paramedic Certified), CCP (Critical Care Paramedic) and operations manager at AMR Bozeman. “Familiarizing yourself with the signs and symptoms of heart attacks and cardiac arrest will prepare you to provide aid to your loved ones and neighbors if needed.”

Heart Attack vs. Cardiac Arrest: Know the Difference
Though the terms are often used interchangeably, heart attack and cardiac arrest are not the same—but they can be related.
Heart attack symptoms

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Pain in the arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach
• Shortness of breath, nausea, cold sweats, or dizziness

Cardiac arrest signs:

• No pulse
• No breathing
• Loss of consciousness / Sudden collapse

What to Do in a Cardiac Emergency

• Call 9-1-1 immediately
• If the person is having a heart attack, keep them calm and seated, loosen tight clothing and monitor breathing and pulse—start CPR if they become unresponsive, stop breathing and have no pulse
• If they are in cardiac arrest, begin hands-only CPR – Push hard and fast in the center of the chest at 100–120 compressions per minute (to the beat of "Stayin’ Alive") and use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) – If available, follow the device’s voice instructions

GMR’s Commitment to Cardiac Care
As the largest single provider of cardiac arrest data to the CDC’s national pre-hospital cardiac arrest registry, developed in partnership with Emory University’s Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival (CARES), GMR plays a pivotal role in advancing research, best practices, and life-saving innovations in emergency cardiac response.

Why Immediate Action Matters
Every minute without treatment reduces the chance of survival. According to the American Heart Association, immediate CPR can double or triple a person’s chance of survival after cardiac arrest.

Despite its lifesaving benefits, many people hesitate to perform CPR because they are unsure of the proper technique or fear doing it incorrectly. Hands-only CPR, which involves chest compressions without mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, is an effective and simple method that can keep oxygen flowing until emergency responders arrive. Most emergency dispatchers will help coach a bystander on how to provide effective hands only CPR which can make the difference between life and death.

CPR Training Through American Medical Response
Knowing CPR could mean the difference between life and death for a loved one, coworker, or stranger in need. AMR Bozeman is an American Heart Association (AHA) and National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAMET) training site and offers CPR and emergency response training for individuals, workplaces, and community groups to ensure more people are prepared for emergencies.
Training includes:

• Hands-only CPR – Focuses on chest compressions without mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
• Full CPR and AED training – Includes how to use an AED and provide rescue breaths when needed.
• Age-specific CPR techniques – Training for adults, children, and infants.

To schedule a CPR training class with AMR, contact Christina McGuire, clinical education supervisor at 406-930-1979 or christina.mcguire@gmr.net.