Duration is about 45 minutes to one hour.

Content

1. Introduce the concept of Early Heart Attack Care by explaining the three presentations of a heart attack. A video on Early Heart Attack Care can be shown to explain the subject in more detail and show how it fits into the framework of cardiac care.

2. Test understanding of the basic concepts with an oral presentation and a short quiz.

3. Ask participants to stand and take an oath of commitment to help a patient exhibiting early cardiac warning symptoms.

4. Motivation by ritual: "Deputize" participants as Early Heart Attack Care Givers and award them badges, symbolizing their commitment to Early Heart Attack Care.

5. Present the problem of fatal heart attacks as a town crisis of national proportions, requiring all citizens to be deputized in Early Heart Attack Care.

Duration is about four hours.

Content

1. Provide educators a rationale for separating Early Heart Attack Care and giving it as much time as CPR instruction. The "heart of the heart attack problem" resides in the community. Institutions such as the community hospitals and community colleges must play a key role in reducing the death rate of this "Health Enemy Number One."

2. Explore the dynamics of the heart attack setting, including the disease of preoccupation which tends to put mild symptoms on the back burner until crashes occur.

3. Explain the value of the history-taking as an essential first step in recognizing and responding to early cardiac symptoms. Note that history-taking can be taught safely to the public and must be taught to the public for successful life-saving intervention to take place.

4. Present the concept that first responders can either be "enablers" who encourage the patient's denial and procrastination, or Early Heart Attack Care Givers, who intervene to urge having symptoms checked out. Second responders (Paramedics, policemen, pharmacists) also must be knowledgeable of symptoms and of tactics to overcome patient resistance to treatment.

5. Build appreciation for the heart as a tremendous pump which should be protected by preventing problems from developing. Stress this appreciation as a factor to motivate patients experiencing chest discomfort, as a counterbalance to the fear of embarrassment.

6. Point out that Early Heart Attack Care, unlike CPR, has no definite formula, but rather requires thinking, creativity, and the will to be a "Good Samaritan" to prevent problems from developing and to save lives.

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