EHAC Course:

The Activation of the Community in Heart Attack Response

In concept, the word activation implies going from a latent phase to one of heightened activity. As it applies to the heart attack problem, knowledge of what takes place is not enough. Knowing and responding is what is needed. To this extent the Deputy Heart Attack Program answers this problem.

It takes its name from the earlier days in which each town had a sheriff and two deputies. In times of crisis, the sheriff activated the community by deputizing everyone in the town! The heart attack problem can be likened to a community crisis in which we also need to take action to fight this killer.

If your neighbor’s house was on fire, would you call 9-1-1?

Once you have completed this course, you are asked to take a pledge to save a life. It has been our experience that such individuals are truly moved by this approach. They are given a badge which they proudly wear displaying the words “Heart Attacks Have Beginnings.” This badge will start a conversation. Try it and become an educator yourself!

Hopefully this first generation approach can spread across the communities of America in order to activate and educate Americans about the preventative aspects needed in early heart attack care. The activation of the deputization program thus becomes a movement to counter heart attacks.

Remember, "Like Cancer or Diabetes, Heart Attacks Have Beginnings"

Why do we say this? Well, if your friend told you they had a lump, would you tell them to ignore it? Of course not. Some will say not all heart attacks have early signs and symptoms. And we agree. But if you would encourage someone to seek medical care when they tell you about a suspicious lump, we encourage you to apply the same logic if someone tells you they are experiencing chest pain, chest pressure or any of the noted early symptoms of a potential heart attack.

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