First Aid Tips - Heart Attacks

Angina / Heart Attack

• Due to inadequate blood supply to the heart.
• Major killer all over the world
• Speedy treatment and admission to hospital is vital for a positive outcome

Identification / look out for :

• Continuous crushing / constricting pain of the chest (more on left side) may even appear at rest.
• Possible pain  to left arm, left shoulder, jaw and back, but not always.
• Nausea / vomiting.
• Perspiration.
• Feeling of impending doom / death.
• Difficulty in breathing.
• Faintness and dizziness.
• Cold clammy skin.
• Ashen coloured face (pale).
• Pale skin and blue discoloration of skin.
• Initially rapid pulse which weakens
• Confusion.
• Sudden collapse
• Shock.

1. Make the patient sit down in a comfortable position - Half Sitting using pillows as support.
2. If patient has to be shifted / moved do not make the patient exert -  carry the patient with full support.
3. Call 999 / 112 for Cardiac Ambulance without delay even though they may object.
4. Monitor closely, reassure, allow patient to take their own prescribed cardiac medication if they have previous history
5. Be prepared to perform CPR should they become unresponsive.
   

1. Make the patient exert physically not even a few steps, as it will further deteriorate their condition.
2. Allow the person to continue with medical help, it may save their life