An accident or medical condition that causes a person to stop breathing can also stop his or her heart. You can try to provide both oxygen and blood circula tion for such a victim by performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Learning CPR requires careful instruc tion from a certified teacher. Perhaps youcan learn and practice CPR at Scout meetings. The Red Cross offers CPR classes, too. Your Scout leaders can help you find training to learn this lifesaving skill.

Heart Attack

Heart attack is one of the major causes of death in the United States. Exercise, a good diet, and avoiding tobacco and drugs will help you keep your own heart healthy. First aid training will prepare you to help someone else who is having heart trouble.

1. Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fuliness, or pain in the center of the chest behind the breastbone. The feeling might spread to the shoulders, arms, and neck. It can last several minutes or longer, and it might come and go. It isn't always severe. (Sharp, stabbing twinges of pain usually are not signs of heart attack.)

2. Unusual sweating - for instance, perspiring even though a room is cool.

3. Nausea-stomach distress with an urge to vomit.

4 Shortness of breath.

5 A feeling of weakness.

Should anyone display these symptoms, get medical attention for the victim right away. Be ready to begin CPR if his or her heart and breathing stop.