Heart-to-Heart Community Breakfast Focused on Lifesaving Heart Education

Southern Tennessee Regional Health System (STRHS) Pulaski recently welcomed community members, students, and healthcare partners to its Heart to Heart Breakfast, an event dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease, early recognition of heart attack symptoms, and the importance of rapid response in cardiac emergencies.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, and the event focused on equipping attendees with knowledge and practical skills that could help save lives.

Chelsey Christopher, RN, full-time Emergency Department nurse and Chest Pain Accreditation Coordinator, shared powerful statistics about heart disease and heart attacks, emphasizing the importance of recognizing symptoms early. She explained that heart attacks do not always begin with dramatic chest pain and may present as subtle symptoms such as pressure or discomfort in the chest, shortness of breath, nausea, unusual fatigue, or pain radiating to the arm, jaw, or back.

Christopher also highlighted STRHS Pulaski’s designation as an ACC (American College of Cardiology) Chest Pain Accredited Center, a national recognition that reflects the hospital’s commitment to meeting high standards for the rapid identification and treatment of heart attack patients. She explained that the hospital’s goals include completing an EKG within 10 minutes of a patient’s arrival and stabilizing and transferring appropriate patients within 30 minutes. These benchmarks are critical in preserving heart muscle and improving outcomes.

Dr. Goran Antic, Medical Director and Emergency Department physician, reinforced the importance of seeking immediate medical care when symptoms arise. He encouraged attendees not to ignore warning signs and to call 911 if something “just isn’t right,” noting that early intervention significantly improves survival and recovery.

Christie Bass, Emergency Department Director, led participants in a hands-only CPR demonstration. Attendees practiced compressions on mannequins while learning the importance of maintaining a steady rhythm of 100–120 compressions per minute. The interactive session empowered participants with practical skills they could use in an emergency before EMS arrives.

In addition to educational presentations, many community members took proactive steps toward improving their heart health by receiving glucose and cholesterol screenings provided by the STRHS laboratory team.

STRHS Pulaski also extends special thanks to the UT Southern nursing students who assisted with blood pressure checks and heart health risk assessments throughout the event. Their involvement reflects a strong partnership in preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals while serving the community.

“This event reflects our mission of making communities healthier,” said hospital leadership. “By providing education, preventive screenings, and hands-on training, we are equipping our community with the tools they need to recognize symptoms early, respond quickly, and take control of their heart health.”

STRHS Pulaski remains committed to delivering high-quality care close to home and continuing outreach efforts that promote prevention, education, and improved health outcomes across the region.

For more information about heart health services at STRHS Pulaski, visit https://www.southerntnpulaski.com/cardiology