Volunteers from Mason County Fire District No. 4 saved the life of a 49-year-old Totten Shores resident early Friday morning. Just after midnight, Captain Mary Prentice and Lieutenant Greg Hansen arrived within three minutes to find the woman pulseless, not breathing and began CPR. Seven other firefighters from District #4 and Mason County Medic One arrived to assist. It appears that the woman was suffering from chest pain this past week. Her condition worsened and caused her to go into cardiac arrest. Fortunately her husband was home and called 911. Fire District 4 EMTs used an AED (automatic external defibrillator) advanced airway techniques and started an I-V. Paramedic Berg, of MCMO arrived and was immediately able to administer cardiac medication and the patient regained her pulse and blood pressure. The patient was transported to St. Peter’s Hospital in Olympia and is listed in guarded condition.

A reminder of Heart Attack Symptoms:

If you think you're having a heart attack, call 9-1-1
Some heart attacks are sudden and intense — But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:
• Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of breath. May occur with or without chest discomfort.
• Other signs: These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness