🚩 Recognize Red Flags

• Known diagnosis of VEDS, Marfan, or Loeys-Dietz Syndrome
• Family history of sudden cardiac death or aortic rupture
• Sudden, severe chest, back, or abdominal pain (especially described as "tearing" or "ripping")
•  Hypotension, unequal pulses, or new neurologic symptoms
• Physical signs: thin/translucent skin, visible veins, joint hypermobility, unusual bruising
  
  

🧠 Suspect Aortic Dissection When:

• Patient is under 40 with no trauma but has tearing pain
• Symptoms mimic stroke, GI bleed, or anxiety
• Normal or low blood pressure despite severe distress
• Patient mentions prior vascular surgery, aneurysm, or genetic condition
  
  

🚑 Immediate Action Steps

1. Notify the hospital: “Possible Aortic Emergency”
2. Request rapid transport and prioritize CTA with contrast
3. Minimize scene time – stabilize en route if safe
4. Monitor vitals, provide O2, and manage pain per protocol

📣 Advocate at the Hospital

• Emphasize: Young patient + tearing pain + connective tissue disorder = time-sensitive emergency
• Push for vascular consultation and imaging without delay
• Repeat history and visible red flags to triage and staff
  
  

📘 Quick Resources

- The VEDS Movement: https://thevedsmovement.org
- Marfan Foundation: https://marfan.org
- Loeys-Dietz Syndrome Foundation: https://loeysdietz.org
- Chalkbird Inc. Training Materials: https://chalkbirdinc.org