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Heart attack first aid



Heart attack symptoms
Heart attack symptoms
Symptoms of heart attack
Symptoms of heart attack


Heart attack first aid

Alternative Names:

First aid - heart attack; First aid - cardiopulmonary arrest; First aid - cardiac arrest
First Aid:
  1. Have the victim sit down and rest, and attempt to keep calm.
  2. Loosen any tight clothing.
  3. If the victim has a known heart condition, ask if he/she takes a chest pain medication.
  4. Assist the victim in taking the medication (usually nitroglycerin, which is placed under the tongue).
  5. If the pain does not subside promptly with rest or within 3 minutes of taking nitroglycerin, call for emergency medical assistance.
  6. If an adult victim is unconscious and unresponsive, call 911 (or your local emergency number), then begin CPR.
  7. If an infant or child is unconscious and unresponsive, perform 1 minute of CPR, then call 911.

Do Not:
  • DO NOT leave the victim alone except to call for help, if necessary.
  • DO NOT allow the victim to deny the symptoms and convince you not to call for emergency medical assistance.
  • DO NOT wait to see if the symptoms go away.
  • DO NOT give the victim anything by mouth unless he/she has a prescribed heart medication (such as nitroglycerin).

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if:
  • If sudden chest pain or other symptoms suggestive of heart attack occur.
  • If an adult is unresponsive or appears to not be breathing.
  • After performing 1 minute of CPR on a baby or child or immediately if you do not know CPR.



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