Letter from the New Regional CEO of American Red Cross of Georgia

Dear Red Cross Volunteer,

As I begin my first days on the job as the new Chief Executive for Georgia’s Red Cross, sharing my appreciation for you as a Red Cross volunteer is one of my top priorities. 

Since joining the Metro Atlanta Chapter as an employee in 1986, I have always worked alongside and valued the contributions of our dedicated volunteers. While I came to this new position from my role as the chapter’s Chief Development Officer and have raised tens of millions of dollars for our organization, I know that what we all do together every day is not really just about the money, it’s about people – those we serve and those who serve. Volunteers like you, committed to changing lives and saving lives in our communities across Georgia, are the true heart and soul of the American Red Cross. 

I, too, share your passion for serving the community with my time and talents. Through the years I have been active with the Junior League of Atlanta, provided hands-on service in homeless shelters, and have served on numerous community non-profit boards.

I know that the insights of volunteers are especially valuable, and I welcome yours. Please share them with me and let’s work together to strengthen and grow the American Red Cross for families and neighbors across our state. Now, more than ever, Georgia needs a strong Red Cross led by a cadre of passionate volunteers.

You have my true gratitude for all you have done and continue to do for your community through the American Red Cross. I look forward to working with you in the months and years to come.

With deep appreciation,

Terri Badour Duckett

Regional Chief Executive Officer

American Red Cross of Georgia

Helping our four-legged friends beat the heat too!

Temperatures are reaching into the triple digits this summer and people aren’t the only ones feeling the heat—our four-legged friends need protection from the sun too!

It isn’t just the heat either; humidity can affect pets as well and here in Georgia, the humidity can get really bad.

Both The Humane Society of the United States and HealthyPet.com offer some tips on how your pets can beat the heat and stay safe in summer weather.

Here are some highlights:

 

Never leave pets inside a parked car. Cars act like ovens and even on mild days, the temperature inside the car can climb rapidly and enter into dangerous levels, even with the windows cracked. If you have to run an errand, leave the pet at home!

Provide shade and water outside. If any of your pets are outdoors only, be sure to provide plenty of fresh, cold water and cool, shaded areas to protect the pet from the heat. Doghouses provide shelter from the sun, but not from the heat. Also, avoid leaving dogs chained outside while unattended. Doing so can result in numerous insect bites, dehydration, and heatstroke.

Limit outdoor exercise on hot days. Plan exercise according to the temperature. If it is an especially hot day, let the pets exercise in the early morning or late evening. Between 10 am and 4 pm is the hottest time of the day and exercise during these times should be avoided if at all possible.  

Pets need sunscreen too. This is especially important if the animal is hairless, white or light-colored. They can sunburn just like people and prolonged exposure can result in peeling and even skin cancer. Sensitive areas include the tips of the ears, nose, and the skin around the lips. Be sure to apply sunscreen to these areas when venturing out into the sun. Also, remember that asphalt can get very hot and can burn a pet’s paws so if exercising, keep the pet on the grass or other cool surfaces if at all possible.

Maintain grooming. Fur/hair is meant to protect the animal from the sun and insulate him from the heat, but excessive fur may trap in heat. Brush on a regular basis and consider clipping your pet if the fur is really dense and thick.

Stay updated on vaccinations and medication. Fleas and ticks stay busy in the warm weather and summer is the prime time for heartworm.

Freeze treats for pets. It will help them to stay cool and provide a yummy snack.

Be cautious of the humidity. It can interfere with the animal’s ability to get rid of excess body heat. Unlike humans, animals only perspire around their paws and isn’t enough to keep them cool. Instead they pant, but high humidity limits the panting process. This is especially important for dogs with snub noses, such as pugs and bulldogs, which further prevent them from panting efficiently.

Beware of gardening products and other chemicals. Summer is the peak season for gardening and many pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals are toxic to animals. Some are even fatal. Research different gardening products in order to know which are toxic and which are safe since many pets enjoy chewing plants.

Recognize the signs of a heatstroke. Heatstroke can be deadly for pets too! Some signs of heatstroke are: heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid heartbeat, restlessness, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue, and unconsciousness. If you notice any of these signs, move the animal indoors or to a cool, air-conditioned place. Place ice packs or damp towels on their head, neck, and chest or run cold-water all over their body. Call a veterinarian immediately!

For many, pets are considered family members so it's important to treat them like one. Use these tips to better help protect your pets during this crazy hot summer season!

ABC Show & American Red Cross Join Forces

    Volunteers from both Georgia and national headquarters represented The American Red Cross in Morgan County at the site of the popular ABC tv show, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition on Tuesday. The show will be in Madison, Georgia all this week filming and building a home for the Anaiah Rucker family. 9-year-old Anaiah Rucker pushed her younger sister out of the way of an oncoming truck resulting in the loss of her own leg and kidney. Loretta Berryman, a Morgan County school bus driver, stopped at the scene and performed CPR which saved Anaiah’s life. In honor of Loretta the Red Cross is offering a Citizen CPR course all week at the Morgan County Lion’s Club. Classes are offered at 10A.M., 11P.M, and 2P.M., every day until Friday. The class lasts about an hour and ends with a chance for those who signed up to practice their new knowledge on CPR dummies.

    Before the 1:00P.M class on Tuesday, the Extreme Makeover Home Edition crew arrived to film the class and volunteers. One of the stars of the show, Paige Hemmis came along with the camera crew. Many volunteers were excited to hear that Paige used to be a CPR course instructor. Jeff Taylor, executive director of the American Red Cross East Georgia Chapter, ended Tuesday’s class by presenting Loretta Berryman with a Certificate of Recognition for Extraordinary Personal Action. 

      

So far the course has been a great success and a wonderful opportunity for the Red Cross. Our volunteers hope that people will continue to sign up all week. Anyone interested in taking the course this week may sign up at the volunteer tent in the Beacon Heights shopping center. Look for the Red Cross tent and volunteers to get on the class list. Make sure to watch for the episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition to air in late fall!

Staying Prepared for Hurricane Season

June 1st marked the beginning of 2011’s hurricane season which runs through November 30th. This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted an above-average
hurricane season with a potential for 12-18 named storms, and the possible development of six major hurricanes. More than 35 million Americans live in regions that could potentially be threatened by Atlantic hurricanes. Although reducing the force of these powerful storms is not possible, the American Red Cross and local communities can minimize their impact. Having a plan of action and being prepared with supplies, tools, and training will enable the Red Cross and the people we help to face this above average hurricane season.

The Red Cross works with its network of partner agencies to assess vulnerabilities and ensure that communities are prepared and ready to respond in case of a hurricane. The Red Cross also works as one of the world’s largest humanitarian networks. We are committed to assisting oversea partners whenever a disaster such as a hurricane strikes. Throughout the past year, the Red Cross has aided communities in Latin America and the Caribbean to prepare for the oncoming hurricane season. A
roster of highly skilled disaster workers are ready to respond overseas and provide assistance to help with relief and recovery.

The 14 counties of the Red Cross East Georgia Chapter may not be in the direct path of a hurricane, but our counties can still be affected by the storm’s aftermath. Any hurricane that strikes the Alabama, Florida, or Georgia coastlines create a domino affect for East Georgia. Whether it is providing volunteers, shelter, food, or other supplies hurricane season affects Northeast Georgia. Hurricanes may also result in tornados and floods across our counties.

Redcross.org supplies free hurricane checklists and instructions that help families and individuals prepare for a hurricane’s impact and recovery after its landfall. The Red Cross has three simple steps to saving lives in the event of a hurricane or other disasters: Get a kit, Make a Plan, Be informed. All information on these three steps are available on redcross.org and through your local Red Cross chapter. Any donations you make help not only our East Georgia Chapter but all chapter across the
nation that may be affected by a hurricane.

Sunflower Farm Festival

The 10th annual Sunflower Farm Festival kicked off Saturday, July 2 in Morgan
County. The festival ran through the weekend and ended on the Fourth of July offering
US Veterans free admission for the day. The festival included an artist market, live
music, tractor rides, local BBQ, homemade ice cream, activities for all ages, and 15
acres of sunflower fields. Attendees could walk through the fields and cut their own
sunflower bouquet for $15 a bucket.

Each year the American Red Cross East Georgia Chapter is represented at the
festival by our volunteer first-aid tent. The cause for most visits to the first aid tent are
bee stings. Our fully trained volunteers provide water to prevent dehydration and are
ready to help with any other accidents that may occur.

The Sunflower Farm Festival began in 2001 after it was decided that the beauty
of the fully bloomed sunflowers should be shared with the public. Since then the festival
has grown into a much anticipated yearly event. It is co-sponsored by the Morgan
County Rotary Club.

Although the festival is now over, anyone wishing to visit the farm may do so
daily between the hours of 7 A.M. and 9 P.M. Admission is $2 per person.

Have No Fear in Volunteering

Trying something new is always a task of trepidation. Whether tasting a new flavored cupcake shop, diving into the deep end of the swimming pool, or starting a first day at a new job, it can be scary to jump into something unknown. Like these other anxieties, many people have a natural fear of volunteering for organizations.

Joining a highly functioning group, such as the American Red Cross, that is responsible for keeping people safe and alive can be intimidating for newcomers. Jeff Taylor, Executive Director of the American Red Cross East Georgia Chapter, understands people’s hesitations to volunteer but wants to remind them that volunteering with the Red Cross is a journey worth beginning. “They will find that serving through the American Red Cross is one of the most rewarding experiences they will ever encounter,” he says.

If fears are rooted in being unsure of how to get involved or even in the possibility of failing as a volunteer, do not worry. Volunteers are sufficiently trained and prepared before they are ever called upon in the field. The chapter offers every new volunteer a support system to guarantee their job understanding and success. As Jeff describes, “They will never be alone. They can wear the training wheels as long as they want.”

Training wheels? Doesn’t sound too bad now, does it?

Fears of volunteering are not completely unfounded but Jeff again affirms that volunteers have rewarding experiences that eliminate all doubt. “I understand fears, but I understand that the rewards far outweigh any fear or apprehension,” he says.

You can do it. You can be trained. You can be that person that is out there in the worst of times, giving others a light to walk to when they are stumbling in the dark. You can be a Red Cross leader, helper, teacher, supporter, and/or organizer. You can be whoever you are now. And by bringing your talents to the Red Cross, you can make a difference.

“When you see a family whose home has burnt to the ground and they’ve lost everything and there is somebody in an American Red Cross vest helping them get shelter, food and comfort,” Taylor says, “As a volunteer I can’t think of anything more rewarding than that family just getting that hug and that thank you.”

If you would like to join forces with the American Red Cross East Georgia Chapter, please call the chapter at (706) 353-1645 or visit the chapter’s website at eastgeorgia.redcross.org/volunteer.htm for more information on how you can become a hero.

2011 Annual Meeting & Volunteer Recognition Banquet

Janis Martinez, this year's guest speaker from the Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter of the Red Cross, and Jeff Taylor, the executive director of the East Georgia Chapter, pose following the 2011 Meeting and Volunteer Recognition Banquet.  

The Red Cross East Georgia Chapter celebrated its many wonderful volunteers at the Annual Meeting and Volunteer Recognition Banquet on Tuesday, June 21, 2011 with a video and picture slide show, a guest speaker and an awards ceremony.  Janis Martinez, a board member from the Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter of the Red Cross, attended the banquet as this year's guest speaker and shared her story of survival.  She endured extensive burns as a young girl and attributes her survival to the many donations of blood, plasma, and skin grafts from the American Red Cross.  Her story reminded many volunteers at the banquet of why they do what they do: for the benefit of others. To date, Martinez has donated over 100 pints of blood, and she urges others to donate blood once every 56 days!

This year's award recipients: (right to left) Kathy Coker, Bob Coker, Kathy Wisenbaker, B.J. Brown, Rosemarie Goodrum, Hilary Daniels, Gina Taylor, and Angela Rouse.  Not pictured are Jo Vaughn, David Vaughn and Keener Edison.

As pictured above, this year's awards went to: 

Administrative Office Volunteers of the Year: Rosemarie Goodrum & Kathy Wisenbaker

Biomedical Services Volunteer of the Year: Gina Taylor

Biomedical Services Volunteer Recognition: Keener Edison

Disaster Response Services New Volunteer of the Year: B.J. Brown

Disaster Response Volunteer of the Year: Mary Jane Phillips

Disaster Response Services Mauldin Award: Bob & Kathy Coker

Health & Safety Services Instructor of the Year: Hilary Daniels

Health & Safety Volunteer of the Year: Angela Rouse

Maxine Harper Award: David & Jo Vaughn 

A big thank you goes out to Carrabba's Italian Grill, which supplied a great meal during the Red Cross East Georgia Chapter's 2011 Annual Meeting and Volunteer Recognition Banquet.

New Options for Investment

Nearly a month ago, on May 15, The American Red Cross East Georgia Chapter kicked off its Annual Sponsorship Campaign for the new fiscal year. The campaign is the first of its kind offering community leaders the opportunity to make a yearly investment in the Red Cross. Athens, Georgia has the highest number of non-profits per capita in the country which certainly influenced the campaign's design. Athens residents may bypass frequent mailings, emails, and other notices from the Red Cross by making an investment with the East Georgia Chapter once a year.

Its goal is to raise funds to help prepare the fourteen counties in the chapter's jurisdiction in the event a natural disaster strikes. Employees and volunteers understand the great impact floods, fires, and storms have on lives and an investment with the Red Cross gives them access to the supplies, food, and services needed in order to respond when a disaster strikes.

This year our teams of volunteers and staff helped 200 families whose lives were affected by a disaster. The Red Cross also provides critical training in CPR, first aid, and other safety and health practices to equip our communities with the knowledge needed to be better prepared in case of an emergency.

Participants in the Annual Sponsorship Campaign have four investment options: platinum corporate sponsor, gold corporate sponsor, silver corporate sponsor, or bronze corporate sponsor. More information regarding these options and the Annual Sponsorship Campaign are located at the link below.

http://eastgeorgia.redcross.org/AnnualSponsorshipCampaign.htm

Here Comes the Heat: Get Prepared with Red Cross Safety Tips

If you haven't already, get prepared to endure the sweltering heat of Georgia summers!

According to the National Weather Service, extreme heat was the number one weather-related killer of 2010, which caused more fatalities than floods, lightening, tornadoes, hurricanes, winter storms and extreme cold.

The American Red Cross East Georgia Chapter encourages everyone to take precautions to avoid any tragedies caused by our scorching Georgia heat.

Simple measures can be taken to protect yourself and your families from heat related incidents.

Follow these Red Cross safety tips:

• Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's energy. It is also a good idea to wear hats or use an umbrella.
• Drink water. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
• Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid high-protein foods, which increase metabolic heat.
• Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 and 7 a.m.
• Stay indoors when possible. If air-conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine. Remember that electric fans do not cool, they simply circulate the air.
• Be a good neighbor. During heat waves, check in on elderly residents in your neighborhood and those who do not have air conditioning.
• Learn Red Cross first aid and CPR. Click here for classes being offered at the East Georgia Chapter.

Prepare yourself for a safe summer in the sun!

At the Races...

Last weekend volunteers, staff, and interns of the East Georgia Chapter joined forces with Pro Stock Racer Steve Johnson at the National Hot Rod Association dragway race in Commerce, Georgia to raise money for disaster relief operations throughout the southeast.

For three days, they stood in the heat and rain collecting donations and listening to stories from people affected by the tornadoes last month. With their tent erected on the main road to the entrance, they were in prime location to speak to race fans as they passed by.

Steve Johnson and his crew were set up on the opposite side of the venue. Not only did Johnson and crew promote American Red Cross by sporting the logo on their jersies and on the motorcycle, but they also collected donations. Furthermore, those jersies were sold to corporate backers and the money went straight to the relief efforts.

On Saturday, Johnson and other pro racers signed autographs in front of the American Red Cross tent. Johnson used a matress as a makeshift table, but it served a point. A sign that read "if you have one of these stop and donate" sat atop the matress to remind passerbyers that some people affected by the tornadoes don't have their own mattress, much less a home. It worked. People stopped to donate even if they didn't want an autograph.

All in all, thanks to the tireless efforts of Johnson and the East Georgia Chapter volunteers and staff, $11,000 was collected from donations alone in three days. ($600 was raised in one hour on Sunday!) It will certainly go far in the relief efforts.

Volunteers Help with Relief Efforts in Morgan Co.

For nearly two weeks, volunteers from the East Georgia chapter have been involved in the FEMA disaster relief efforts in Morgan County.

From 7 am until 7 pm every day since May 7, 2011, volunteers represented the American Red Cross East Georgia Chapter alongside other local, state, and national organizations including FEMA, GEMA, and Family and Child Services. Together, they have helped the lives of county residents most affected by the tornadoes last month.

Volunteers have been active everyday distributing comfort kits and information to residents in need, visiting homes hit by the tornadoes, manning a table for 12 hours in the relief center, and following up on previous cases to determine the degree of assistance needed or wanted. These are just a few of the many duties involved in the relief efforts.







Fortunately, the need for assistance has substantially decreased; volunteers and government officials agree that organizations may be able to withdraw their relief efforts as early as this weekend and close the relief center as well. This has not been made official and some say that the efforts could continue into June.

Whether the efforts shut down in a couple of days or continue for another month, volunteers at the East Georgia Chapter remain committed to helping those in need.

*pictures are of volunteers Kim Moore, Janell Ward, and Susan Bell who participated in the relief efforts on May 11, 2011. Moore and Bell visited 4 homes and created new cases for all. Ward visited 6 homes previously contacted and no new cases were created.

National Volunteer Week 2011

National Volunteer Week was April 10-16, 2011, and the American Red Cross East Georgia Chapter celebrated at its monthly volunteer meeting! Chapter volunteers were surprised by a 10-foot long banner featuring each of their names (we have more than 70 superstar volunteers!), a cake, and tabletop decorations--all in a superstar theme.

This great group of volunteers gives generously to their own communities throughout the 14 counties the East Georgia Chapter serves, as well as other communities around the state and Southeast, that are affected by disasters.

To find out more about how these awesome people are serving the East Georgia Chapter, check out our new Twitter account or visit us on Facebook!

Volunteers Laura Gutsmann and BJ Brown were deployed to the Disaster Relief Operation in North Carolina with Red Cross an Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV). The ERV is used to conduct mobile feeding throughout the areas affected by the tornado and to distribute bulk items like shovels, tarps, rakes, etc.

Disaster Relief Hero

Amanda Logan has been a disaster services volunteer through Walton County for more than four years. She is always willing to go out to a disaster regardless of whether it’s day or night. Amanda’s compassion for others and willingness to serve, makes her a very special person. She has personally responded to more than 50 single family fires in the Walton County area in the past year. In the middle of January, Amanda responded to a fire in Loganville involving a family of five. Their house and their possessions were totally destroyed in the fire. The American Red Cross met their immediate disaster needs by providing a hotel for the family. Unfortunately, they had no resources for permanent housing. Amanda, knowing of their needs, contacted a personal friend and found a place that the family could call home.

In addition to her disaster response skills, Amanda has served as a Disaster Action Team captain. Over the past year as captain, she has led, trained, and mentored a team of 15 disaster volunteers. She also participates in disaster training exercises and helps raise funding for the Walton County area. As the mother of two small children, she still manages to find time to give to the American Red Cross. Her generous spirit and willingness to drop everything when the need arises makes her a true disaster relief hero.

Congratulations Randy Rigney

The East Georgia American Red Cross would like to recognize Randy Rigney for his 10 amazing years of service with the Red Cross Disaster team. He volunteered his time as a DAT member, staffing for disaster relief operations, training and mentoring volunteers, and wherever else his expertise has been needed. Rigney has helped over 1,000 families that suffered a divesting loss due to fire, tornado, flood, or hurricane. His giving spirit has even landed him in the disaster relief operation for the tornadoes in Enterprise, Alabama and in Athens, GA assisting the evacuees from Hurricane Katrina. In 2009 Rigney received the Disaster Relief Hero award, recognizing all of his hard work and dedication with the American Red Cross.

Wishing him well at his retirement gathering is former chapter executive Jennifer Pennington, who was also with the East Georgia Chapter for 10 years.

RMS Has Caught the Giving Bug

The six grade social studies classes at Russell Middle School donated $643.05 to assist with the relief effort in Haiti. The children had been learning about the small country when the earthquake hit and wanted to try and help. East Georgia Chapter Board Chairman David Waters accepted the check and personally thanked C.J. Cook, a student who made a donation of $100.

School isn’t what it used to be……It’s better!

Hull-Sanford Elementary is a learning institution in Madison County teaching more than just reading, writing, and arithmetic. These educators are also teaching their students selflessness and compassion.

For two weeks the teachers in each grade have been sharing photos and stories while explaining to the children what has happened in Haiti. This spiraled into a fundraiser, with children bringing in whatever they could to donate to the Haiti relief efforts. Collectively this school raised a whopping $806.

In a school were the ages range from 5 to 10 years old, one would assume the money came from the children’s parents but that wasn’t the case at all. Brothers Zac Collins and Christopher Collins donated the money they received for Christmas. “It’s important because it can help save lives and families,” said Christopher.

And the giving didn’t stop there. Kindergartner Garrett Gilreath emptied out his piggy bank and put every penny into the Haiti Relief Fund. Even as we were taking the picture above Garrett was digging in his pocket and trying to donate his snack money.

Braves are up to Bat for Haiti

The Atlanta Braves' Troy Glaus, Matt Diaz, Clint Sammons, Eric O'Flaherty, Frank Wren and Glenn Hubbard made an appearance at Academy Sports and Outdoors February 10, 2010 to sign autographs for their biggest fans as part of their Braves Caravan tour around the state. They were also there to help assist the East Georgia American Red Cross in raising money for the Haiti relief efforts.

And what Braves event would be complete without the loveable mascot Homer?! As the Braves were signing autographs, Homer collected donations from the line of fans that wrapped around the store.

The celebrity line-up didn’t end there; we also had an all-star turnout from the volunteers at the American Red Cross East Georgia Chapter, who also collected donations for Haiti and eagerly answered questions for aspiring volunteers.

If you didn’t make it to the event but are still interested in volunteering for Disaster Services have no fear. You can get information by calling the East Georgia Chapter at 706.353.1645 or by visiting http://eastgeorgia.redcross.org/.

Are you as Generous as a 5th Grader?

The boys and girls of Oconee County Elementary School proved to be in a class of their own by donating $1100 for the Haiti Relief fund. On the day of the fundraiser the students wore their pajamas to school and their hearts on their sleeves. Ms. Evilsizors 4th grade class brought in the most money, winning the much coveted ice cream party. This money will help to fund the Red Cross in providing food, shelter, and medical supplies to the impoverished island of Haiti.


“The students felt deep pain for the children and other victims of Haiti. PJ day was a way to raise money quickly and the students themselves could participate” said OCES paraprofessional Elizabeth Marbut.

If these children have you giddy to give, you can donate to support the relief effort in Haiti at www.redcross.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS. Mobile donors can text “Haiti” to 90999 to make a $10 contribution. A $10 donation can provide a family with two water cans to store clean drinking water, a blanket appropriate to the climate or other supplies to give people the ability to cook for their families.

Congratulations Stacy Creighton

Congratulations are in order for Stacy Creighton, a nursing student at the Medical College of Georgia and a Red Cross volunteer. She was the recipient of one of the 2009 Mattie J.T. Stepanek Caregiving Scholarships from the Rosalyn Carter Institute for Caregiving! Check out the story.




If you are interested in attending the family caregiving seminar November 10, 2009 please call the chapter @ 706-353-1645.

30 and 2 to save you

The heart is an amazing muscle. Don't believe me?

Experts estimate that your heart beats about 100,000 times in one day and about 35 million times in a year. During an average lifetime, the human heart will beat more than 2.5 billion times.

That is a lot of beating. The next question is, "What happens if it stops?" A stopped heart will not lead to a good day.

Assuming that you were next to someone who was having a heart problem, there are a few steps you can take to care for a person.

You would check to be sure the scene was safe. Next you would check the person. Ask "What is the problem here?" and "Is the person showing signs that could indicate a heart attack?"

If the person was having a heart related emergency, you would then call the local emergency number (911) and let EMS know that you were with a person who was having heart problems.

Last, you would care for the person. If the person was unconscious and not breathing you would administer CPR.

Since you have already taken CPR through the Red Cross , you are confident of your skills. But in that moment you may panic. Just remember 2 breaths and 30 compressions. Continue until EMS arrives.



I found this handy chart on this link. You should share this information with everyone you know. 30 and 2 could save you.