Although it’s impossible to predict when and where sudden cardiac arrest will occur, or who its victims might be, there’s now a better chance of survival if you are located in the towns of Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor or Southport. That’s because the Boothbay region has been designated a Maine HeartSafe Community.

Early recognition of the signs and symptoms associated with sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), heart attack and stroke, as well as immediate access to emergency services, and prompt medical treatment are all critical to save lives and decrease disabilities associated with cardiovascular events. The Maine HeartSafe Communities designation recognizes the Boothbay Region’s dedication to improving this “Chain of Survival” through partnerships with the local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program.

Specifically, Boothbay Region Ambulance Service and the Boothbay Region qualified for the Gold designation because of BRAS’s training in Advanced Cardiac Life Support, paramedic level care with advanced equipment including 12 lead EKG defibrillators and 17 publicly accessible AED’s available to the community. Boothbay Region Ambulance Service becomes one of 82 Maine HeartSafe designated services, providing EMS coverage to more than 298 communities and over 991,696 residents.

The Boothbay region is home to nearly 8,000 people and hosts thousands of visitors throughout the summer. With the generosity of the Max and Evelyn Schacknow Foundation, the Region now has convenient and rapid access to public AED’s (automated external defibrillators). The partnership BRAS shares with the community to provide a safe and healthy community is of vital importance to the Service.

Heart disease and stroke account for nearly one in three deaths in Maine. And despite our medical and safety advances, patient delay is the largest reason why people do not get care as quickly as needed. Early recognition of the signs and symptoms associated with Sudden Cardiac Arrest, heart attack and stroke, and calling 9-1-1 as soon as symptoms are witnessed are critical to raising survival rates for people in our community.

The warning signs of a heart attack are:

• Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck or back
• Feeling weak, lightheaded or faint
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Pain or discomfort in the arms or shoulders
• Shortness of breath
• Women often report symptoms of discomfort rather than pain.

The warning signs of a stroke are (sudden):

• Numbness in the face, arm or leg
• Slurred speech
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness or loss of balance
• Severe headache

Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor and Southport are fortunate to have access to vital lifesaving treatment, but, to further ensure that the HeartSafe system can do its work, community members must all do their part and learn the signs of sudden cardiac arrest, heart attack and stroke, and call 9-1-1 immediately should anyone see them in loved ones or coworkers.

Early access to CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and defibrillation are also vital links in the “Chain of Survival” and can be learned and performed by almost anyone. For a list of CPR and AED (automated external defibrillator) trainings available in or near the Boothbay region, call Scott Lash at 207-633-7711.