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