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Heart Attack

5 important questions on Heart Attack

What should you do if the casualty is conscious and showing signs of a heart attack

If the casualty is showing signs of a hearth attack and is conscious ask them if they have a history or if they have any medication, such as GTN spray.
If the casualty has no history, are not responding to their own medication and/or if pain is present during rest or sleep then assume it is a heart attack.

What do you do if the patient is having a heart attack (7 steps)

1) Call emergency services and tell them that you suspect a heart attack
2) Make the casualty as comfortable as possible using the “lazy W” if possible: a half-sitting position, with her head and shoulders supported and knees bent

3) Place cushions behind the casualty and under their knees
4) Offer aspirin (only if permitted, and not allergic to aspirin_- and advise the casualty to chew slowly.
5) Allow the casualty to self-medicate and assist them if necessary
6) Monitor responsiveness, airway and breathing while waiting for help to arrive
7) Reassure the casualty and encourage them to rest.

What do you do if the patient becomes unresponsive?

open the airway and check breathing

When should you not give aspirin?

Don’t give aspirin If know they are allergic or If they are under 16 years of age.

Does everyone who is having a heart attack have severe chest pain?

Not everyone experiences severe chest pain; the pain can often be mild and mistaken for indigestion
It’s the combination of symptoms not the severity of chest pain that’s important in determining whether a person is having a heart attack.

The question on the page originate from the summary of the following study material:

First Aid

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