A heart attack is one of the most common reasons for sudden death. It occurs when the muscles of the heart stop working due to lack of blood supply, and in turn, oxygen and nutrients. They are most often mild but may be severe, too. It is possible to save the lives of people who may be having a heart attack if given the right care at the right time.
If you are in a situation where someone is having a heart attack, giving them first aid by the time the ambulance arrives could save that person's life.
Let's explore some of the first aid you can provide in such a situation.
Diagnosing a heart attack
Before you begin giving first aid for a heart attack, you must diagnose/confirm that it is a heart attack. Many other forms of chest pain, such as angina, severe acidity and gas, and other conditions, mimic a heart attack.
Reading the signs of the patient in front of you and confirming it's a heart attack is crucial. Some of the characteristic features of a heart attack include:
- Sweating and shortness of breath
- Chest pain that radiates to the left side of the body, such as the shoulder, neck, jaw, teeth, back
- Lightheadedness
- Irregular heartbeat
- Nausea and vomiting without any gastrointestinal cause
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
First aid for heart attack
A heart attack is an emergency condition that requires immediate attention. Your simple act of kindness and knowledge could save someone's life. Here's what you should do if you see someone having a heart attack:
- Call emergency medical services (EMS) immediately. Don't hesitate or think twice before calling because TIME is a crucial factor.
- Lay the patient on the floor or any seating that's available and loosen restrictive garments such as a tie.
- Immediately give them a dissolvable/chewable aspirin if they aren't allergic to prevent blood clot formation and improve blood flow. Administer aspirin only if the patient is conscious and has been informed that they are not allergic to it.
- Next, begin CPR - cardiopulmonary resuscitation, if the patient has fainted and has difficulty breathing. CPR is done by giving chest compressions to enable the person to breathe. It also helps sustain blood flow to the brain and other vital organs.
- Don't leave the patient alone. Wait with them until help arrives. It's important to give reassurance that they will be alright and that help is on the way. Show support and inform them that they are not alone.
The don'ts when a heart attack occurs
- Don't panic and stay calm. Take deep breaths and try to think straight.
- Ensure you don't leave them alone.
- Don't ignore the symptoms since it could cost someone's life.
- Don't wait for the symptoms to subside on their own. They won't. Call for help immediately.
- Avoid administering any medications without a doctor's consent.
Conclusion
First aid in the event of a heart attack is among the most vital lifesaving skills one could possess. Symptom identification and timely response can be highly instrumental in creating a huge difference for the patient. This will go a long way in ensuring that the best care possible is accorded to the affected person before the arrival of professional help.
Remember, the success of managing a heart attack depends on how calm you can remain, how quickly you act to implement steps and incorporate those that would help the patient in every respect. Your actions of calling emergency services, administering aspirin, and performing CPR can help stabilize the situation and prevent complications. Remember, each second is important and even a meager delay can be serious.
