Heart Attack
What is a heart attack?
A heart attack is something that happens when the blood supply to the heart muscle is suddenly blocked. This blockage means the heart cannot work effectively, as the blood is being pumped at a low rate. This means a heart attack can be fatal as the heart is not getting enough oxygenated blood. Cardiac arrest is caused by a heart attack, after the blood has stopped flowing completely, causing the victim to collapse, loose consciousness and stop breathing. A heart attack will cause severe chest pains which often radiating towards the victim's left arm.
If someone has heart attack, there may be only a few minutes to act before it is too late.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a heart attack can vary, but common symptoms include central chest pain, which may radiate into the jaw, neck and down to the victim’s arms. In some cases, the pain may only be in one of these locations. The victim may also experience breathlessness, a rapid and irregular pulse, sweating and discolouration of the skin, nausea and vomiting.
Treatment (conscious)
Treatment (unconscious) - follow DRASABCD
Tips
A heart attack is something that happens when the blood supply to the heart muscle is suddenly blocked. This blockage means the heart cannot work effectively, as the blood is being pumped at a low rate. This means a heart attack can be fatal as the heart is not getting enough oxygenated blood. Cardiac arrest is caused by a heart attack, after the blood has stopped flowing completely, causing the victim to collapse, loose consciousness and stop breathing. A heart attack will cause severe chest pains which often radiating towards the victim's left arm.
If someone has heart attack, there may be only a few minutes to act before it is too late.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a heart attack can vary, but common symptoms include central chest pain, which may radiate into the jaw, neck and down to the victim’s arms. In some cases, the pain may only be in one of these locations. The victim may also experience breathlessness, a rapid and irregular pulse, sweating and discolouration of the skin, nausea and vomiting.
Treatment (conscious)
- Move the victim into a seated position (the half sitting or W position) by supporting them to the floor, bending their knees and supporting their head and back.
- Call 000 for the ambulance or get someone else to make the call.
- Wait for professional help.
- Monitor the victim's breathing.
- Loosen any tight clothing items.
- Keep them calm and constantly reassure them that help is on the way.
- If the vicim becomes unresponsive and is unconscious immediately start performing CPR.
Treatment (unconscious) - follow DRASABCD
- Check for danger that could harm firstly yourself, others and the victim. Remember, your safety is priority.
- Check for a response; squeeze the victim's shoulders.
- Call 000 or get a bystander to make the call for you. If you are alone, use the speaker setting on your phone in order to keep your hands free, so you are more aware of your surroundings and the victim.
- Check to see if there is anything obstructing the victim's airway that could prevent them from from breathing.
- Listen and watch for signs of breathing and chest movement.
- Immediately start CPR if there are no signs of breathing. Apply 30 compressions to 2 breaths, only stopping if someone better than you takes over or if professional help is at the scene.
- Apply defibrillation
Tips
- Remember to keep calm yourself.
- Try not to panic.
- Constantly reassure the victim that help is on its way.