Overview
- American Medical Response reports its busiest day for heart-related incidents on Christmas Eve, with cardiac emergencies rising by more than 30%.
- Doctors link the seasonal spike to overeating and salty meals, heavier alcohol use, holiday stress, cold weather, and delays in seeking care.
- Officials urge people to call 911 at the first sign of chest pain, a racing or irregular heartbeat, sudden collapse, or unexplained shortness of breath rather than driving themselves.
- Paramedics can begin lifesaving treatment within minutes, including a 12-lead ECG, cardiac medications, oxygen, rhythm management, and advance hospital notification.
- Public guidance stresses bystander CPR and AED use to improve survival, along with prevention steps such as moderation, taking prescribed medicines, staying hydrated, warming up before cold exertion, and checking on vulnerable relatives.