FIRST RESPONDERS

Heart Attacks are different from Cardiac Arrests.  Someone in Cardiac Arrest will be unconscious and not breathing, where as someone having a heart attack will be conscious.

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A heart attack is when one of the coronary arteries becomes blocked. The heart muscle is robbed of its vital blood supply and, if left untreated, will begin to die because it is not getting enough oxygen. If you are having a heart attack you will be conscious

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Symptoms of a heart attack are:

• Pain in the chest that suddenly occurs and doesn't go away.

• Pain spreads to left or right arms, sometimes spreads to neck, jaw, back or stomach. (may feel severe tightness or just uncomfortable)

• Feel sick, sweaty, light-headed or short of breath

• During a heart attack, there is a risk of having a cardiac arrest.

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There are lots of things that can cause these symptoms, but an Ambulance will do an ECG test that will confirm if it is a heart attack of not, but you should always side with caution on this and dial 999.

 

It can be common in the Elderly, Women, or those with Diabetes to not experience these 'classic' chest pain signs, so be mindful of that.

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What to do if you suspect someone is having a heart attack:

• Dial 999 immediately

• Sit them down so they are comfortable, try not to move them.

• Talk to them, keep them calm, the symptoms of a heart attack are common for a lot of non life threatening conditions.

• Chew on 300mg Aspirin if available unless you are allergic, or have been told not to.

• NEVER GIVE ASPIRIN IF PATIENT IS ON ANY BLOOD THINNERS SUCH AS WARFARIN!

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