February is Heart Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular health and the steps we can all take to prevent, recognize, and respond to heart-related emergencies. For EMS professionals, cardiac emergencies are among the most common — and most time-sensitive — calls they respond to every day.
At Butler Medical Transport, our EMTs and paramedics are often the first on scene when seconds matter most. Here’s what our teams want the public to know about recognizing cardiac emergencies, responding quickly, and protecting your heart health year-round.
Cardiac Emergencies Are More Common Than You Think
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, and cardiac emergencies can happen anywhere — at home, at work, or in public spaces. EMS teams regularly respond to calls involving heart attacks, cardiac arrest, arrhythmias, and other serious cardiovascular events.
Many people are surprised to learn that cardiac emergencies don’t always look dramatic. Symptoms can be subtle, gradual, or mistaken for less serious conditions, which is why early recognition is so critical.
Know the Warning Signs of a Heart Attack
One of the most important things EMS professionals stress is knowing the early signs of a heart attack. Call 911 immediately if you or someone else experiences:
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Chest pain, pressure, or tightness
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Pain spreading to the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
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Shortness of breath
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Nausea, vomiting, or cold sweats
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Lightheadedness or sudden dizziness
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Unusual fatigue, especially in women
EMS teams often see patients delay calling for help because they’re unsure if symptoms are “serious enough.” When it comes to heart health, it’s always better to be safe and seek emergency care right away.
Cardiac Arrest Is Different — And Requires Immediate Action
While heart attacks and cardiac arrest are often confused, they are not the same. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating effectively, causing the person to lose consciousness and stop breathing.
In these cases, immediate action can save a life. EMS teams emphasize three critical steps:
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Call 911 immediately
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Begin CPR if trained
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Use an AED if one is available
Early CPR and defibrillation significantly increase survival rates before EMS arrives. Many cardiac arrest survivors are alive today because bystanders acted quickly.
Why Calling 911 Matters More Than Driving Yourself
During a cardiac emergency, calling 911 is always the safest choice. EMS teams arrive with advanced life-saving equipment, medications, and the training to begin treatment immediately — something that simply can’t happen if a patient tries to drive themselves to the hospital.
When you call 911, dispatchers can also provide life-saving instructions over the phone while EMS is en route, ensuring care begins as soon as possible.
Prevention Is Part of the Emergency Response Picture
While EMS teams are trained to respond when emergencies occur, they strongly advocate for prevention. Small lifestyle changes can make a significant difference in heart health, including:
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Maintaining regular physical activity
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Eating a heart-healthy diet
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Managing blood pressure and cholesterol
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Quitting smoking
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Reducing stress
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Attending routine medical checkups
EMS professionals often see firsthand how unmanaged conditions can escalate into emergencies — making prevention a powerful form of protection.
Butler Medical Transport: Ready When Every Second Counts
At Butler Medical Transport, our EMTs and paramedics are highly trained to respond to cardiac emergencies with speed, skill, and compassion. From advanced cardiac monitoring to rapid transport and coordination with hospitals, our goal is always the same: delivering the right care at the right time.
This Heart Health Month, we encourage everyone to learn the warning signs, trust their instincts, and never hesitate to call for help. Awareness saves lives — and EMS teams are proud to be on the front lines when it matters most.