By Quentin Bosshard, Safety and Process Improvement Manager, Staab Construction
In recent years there has been a steady rise in the number of strokes and heart attacks, also known collectively as cardiocerebral infarctions, seen in all age groups in the United States. As a member of the construction industry and someone who has lost multiple loved ones to cardiocerebral infarctions, it’s incredibly important to me to help spread information on how to spot the signs of a stroke or heart attack. This is especially important because construction workers are considered a high-risk category for cardiovascular disease.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA) 1 in 25 construction workers have been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, which is a key risk factor for life threatening events like strokes and heart attacks. Alongside this, the AHA recognizes other key risk factors in construction workers for heart attacks and strokes such as:
• 1 in 4 construction workers are obese.
• 1 in 4 construction workers use tobacco.
• Nearly half of all construction workers do not get enough exercise.
• And 1 in 25 construction workers have diabetes.
With these risk factors, it is imperative for the industry to understand the signs and symptoms of strokes and heart attacks if they do happen on the job site. Thankfully, there are mnemonics that are used as a guide for these events. Duke health talks on the mnemonic BE FAST for strokes which covers the various symptoms one may have:
• B-balance: Possible sudden loss of balance or coordination.
• E-eyes: Vision changes may occur as well, such as blurring, double, or total loss of vision.
• F-face: Facial drooping can occur too, most often seen as an uneven smile or numbness on one side of the face.
• A-appendages: There can be weakness or numbness in one arm or leg, the best way to test is to raise arms and see if they begin to drift down unconsciously.
• S-speech: Most often, people can see this as slurring of speech, however this can appear as trouble speaking, general confusion, or loss of words.
• T-time: If you see any of these symptoms in a person, do not hesitate to call 911 and get EMS on the site immediately.
Healthcare professionals often use the mnemonic CRUSHING for heart attacks. This one is a bit long, but that is due to the multitude of symptoms that people can experience during the attack:
• C-chest pain: There can be intense chest pain or pressure felt by the person.
• R-radiating pain: The pain felt can radiate out the neck, jaw, back, and arms.
• U-unrelieved pain: This pain will not go away, either from taking rest or some form of medication like nitroglycerin.
• S-sweating: This sweat is often seen as a cold sweat, which is not induced by heat or other factors that cause sweating.
• H-hard to breathe: Difficult or labored breathing is another telltale sign.
• I-increased heart rate: The affected person can have palpitations or irregular heart beats as well, so be sure to check their pulse via the wrist or neck.
• N-nausea: A general upset stomach or even vomiting can occur during a heart attack.
• G-gloominess: Yes, a feeling or impending doom is a symptom of a heart attack. Look for intense feelings of fear or anxiousness from the person.
If there is any, a combination, or all of these symptoms in a person, do not hesitate to call 911! Remember time is the most critical factor when treating heart attacks and strokes.
Sources:
American Heart Association
Duke Health
