Did you know that heart disease is the single biggest cause of death in the US? That is reason enough to learn how to recognize and provide First Aid to someone who is having a heart attack.
The first minutes of a heart attack are the most important, because the victim is most likely to become worse and even die during these moments. The following are signs of a heart attack:
1) Chest discomfort – most involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back. Some say it feels like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing or fullness. If someone says they are feeling discomfort in their chest, it could very well be a heart attack.
2) Discomfort in other areas of the upper body – this can be in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or abdomen.
3) Shortness of breath
4) Other signs – cold sweat, nausea, or light-headedness.
Keep in mind that women, the elderly, and those with diabetes are actually more likely to have the less typical signs of a heart attack. Many won’t admit that their pain could be caused by a heart attack – they might make excuses (“I’m too healthy”, “I’ll feel silly if it isn’t a heart attack”). Don’t hesitate if you think they are in fact having a heart attack.
What should you do then? First, you and the victim need to stay calm. Next, call or have someone else call 911. If they are available, get the First Aid kit and AED. If the person has no allergy to aspirin, no serious bleeding, and no signs of a stroke, give them an aspirin. Lastly, see if they need CPR. If they do, give Hands-Only CPR, if they do not, make sure they rest until medical assistance arrives.
