Heart attack first aid
Alternative names:
first aid for heart attack; first aid for cardiopulmonary
arrest; first aid for 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
has the medication.
Assist the victim in taking the medication (usually nitroglycerin
which is placed under the tongue).
- If the pain does not subside with rest and within three
minutes of taking nitroglycerin, call for emergency medical
assistance.
- If an adult victim is unconscious
and unresponsive, call 911, then begin CPR.
- If an infant or child is unconscious and unresponsive, perform
one minute of CPR, then call 911.
Do not:
DO NOT leave the victim alone.
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 crushing chest pain
or other symptoms suggestive of heart
attack occur.
- If an adult is unresponsive and/or appears to not be breathing.
- After performing one minute of CPR
on a baby or child or immediately if you do not know CPR.
Updated Date: 02/09/00
Updated By:J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director,
Utah Health Informatics and adam.com
editorial
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