1 Make victim comfortable
2Summon help
3Help with medication
4Monitor condition
Heart attack
CHOKING( BABIES UNDER 1) • HEART ATTACK
25
A heart attack is usually caused by a blockage of the blood supply to the heart. The aims of first-aid treatment for a heart attack are to make the victim comfortable and to arrange for prompt transport to the hospital. The chances of surviving a heart attack have improved significantly in recent years, but it is still vital that the victim be treated by medical professionals as soon as possible.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
• Sharp chest pain often extending down left arm
• Nausea and vomiting
• Feeling faint and breathless
• Gray skin and blueish lips
• Pulse that quickens and then weakens
TREATING A HEART ATTACK
1 Make victim comfortable
• Raise the victim’ s shoulders so that he is half-sitting and support him with cushions or pillows.
• Bend his knees and support them with more pillows.
• Reassure him and keep him as calm as possible.
Support victim’ s back with cushions or pillows
Prop up legs with cushions or pillows
2Summon help
• Dial 911 or call EMS. Tell the dispatcher that you are with someone who is probably having a heart attack.
• Call the victim’ s doctor, if you are requested to do so.
3Help with medication
• If the victim has medication for angina, help her take it.
4Monitor condition
• Keep the victim calm and rested.
• Check and record the victim’ s breathing( p. 68), pulse( p. 68), and level of consciousness( p. 12) until medical help arrives.
!
Important
• Do not allow the victim to eat or drink.
• If the victim falls unconscious, open his airway, check breathing, and be prepared
to begin resuscitation( pp. 12 – 20).