The link between holidays and heart attacks has been suspected for many years.

A recent study published in the medical journal, Circulation, by the University of California San Diego and Tufts University found a five percent higher rate of heart attacks during the holiday season than at any other time of the year.

EMTs and Paramedics both provide emergency medical services, or EMS. They both may obtain positions with fire departments, medical clinics, hospitals and ambulance services. They are also both known as "first-responders.

Therefore, they have many similarities, but there are also several differences.

In the event of a medical emergency, the paramedics often need to be called to help transport an individual to a nearby hospital. For those who are waiting for the paramedics to arrive after making the phone call, it can often be difficult to know what to do until help is available.

While waiting for paramedics, there are a few steps to take to assist the victim and remain calm in the process.