• Call 911
• Chew and swallow aspirin
The first and most important step is to call 911 or your local ambulance
number. You should ensure that as soon as you see symptoms of a heart
attack you immediately call so that the ambulance can arrive as early as
possible. Remember, the first few minutes can save a life if dealt with
properly. When it comes to the heart, time is muscle.
• Make sure patient continues breathing and has a pulse until the ambulance arrives
Once you have called the ambulance, the second step is to make sure that
the patient does not lose breath and maintains a pulse. This can be
done by keeping the patient calm and warm. Deep breaths should be taken
in such a situation.
• Perform CPR and artificial respiration if needed
The aims of cardiopulmonary resuscitation are twofold. Firstly, to
artificially pump blood out of the heart and around the body, this is
provided by chest compressions, and secondly to artificially blow oxygen
into the lungs by mouth to mouth resuscitation. Only do it if you are
trained.
Aspirin makes the blood platelets less sticky which inhibits blood
clotting and helps the blood flow through narrowed arteries. Chewing an
aspirin during a heart attack reduces the risk of death by more than
25%.
• Give Nitroglycerin tablets
If your doctor has prescribed nitroglycerin tablets take them as
directed. Take one pill at a time until the pain has stopped or medical
help arrives. These pills should not be taken without doctor’s
prescription.
• Start coughing vigorously
Start coughing repeatedly and vigorously. A deep breath should be taken
before each cough. The cough must be deep and prolonged. Repeat coughing
every two seconds without ceasing until help arrives or until the heart
starts beating normally again.
• Loosen clothing and shoes
When the symptoms of heart attack are clearly visible immediately remove
the shoes of the patient and loosen their clothing. Tight clothing
becomes a constraint to proper blood flow and can increase the chances
of death.
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