A heart attack is a medical emergency where every minute matters. Immediate action can save a life. Knowing what to do when someone near you has a heart attack can make a major difference in their chances of survival and recovery.
Here is a simple guide to follow:
Recognize the Signs of a Heart Attack
The first step is to recognize the symptoms. Common signs include:
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Chest pain, pressure, squeezing, or fullness
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Discomfort or pain in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
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Shortness of breath, either with or without chest discomfort
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Other symptoms such as cold sweats, nausea, lightheadedness, or sudden dizziness
It is important to note that not everyone experiences a heart attack the same way. Women, older adults, and people with diabetes may have less typical symptoms, such as fatigue or jaw pain, without obvious chest discomfort.
Step 1: Call Emergency Services Immediately
If you suspect someone is having a heart attack, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
Give the dispatcher a clear description of the situation, the person’s symptoms, and your exact location. Stay on the line until help arrives or until the dispatcher advises you otherwise.
Do not attempt to drive the person to the hospital unless there are no other options. Emergency medical personnel can begin treatment on the way to the hospital.
Step 2: Help the Person Stay Calm and Still
Encourage the person to sit down, preferably on the ground or in a comfortable chair, and stay as calm and still as possible. Moving around or exerting effort can strain the heart even further.
Loosen any tight clothing, such as neckties or belts, to help them breathe more easily.
Step 3: Offer Aspirin if Appropriate
If the person is conscious, not allergic to aspirin, and has not been told by a doctor to avoid it, you can offer them a regular-strength aspirin (usually 325 mg).
Have them chew the aspirin rather than swallow it whole. Chewing allows the medication to work faster in thinning the blood and improving blood flow to the heart.
Do not give aspirin if the person is unconscious, has difficulty swallowing, or if you are unsure about their allergy status.
Step 4: Prepare to Perform CPR if Necessary
If the person becomes unconscious, stops breathing, or has no pulse, you should begin CPR immediately:
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Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest and the other hand on top.
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Press down hard and fast, allowing the chest to rise fully between compressions at a rate of about 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
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If trained, provide rescue breaths after every 30 compressions. If you are not trained, hands-only CPR (chest compressions without breaths) is still very effective.
If an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is available, use it as soon as possible. AEDs are designed to be user-friendly and provide spoken instructions once activated.
Step 5: Continue Until Emergency Help Arrives
Monitor the person’s condition and continue CPR if needed until emergency medical professionals arrive. If the person regains consciousness, help them stay calm and still.
Follow any instructions given to you by emergency services over the phone.
Why Quick Action Matters
Heart attacks can rapidly progress to cardiac arrest, where the heart stops beating entirely. Early intervention through CPR and defibrillation can significantly increase a person’s chances of survival. Studies show that immediate CPR can double or even triple a victim’s chances of living through a cardiac event.
Summary of Key Actions
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Recognize heart attack symptoms quickly.
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Call 911 immediately.
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Keep the person calm, seated, and still.
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Offer aspirin if appropriate and safe.
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Be prepared to start CPR if the person becomes unconscious.
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Continue assistance until professional help arrives.
Final Thought
You do not need medical training to save a life. Understanding the basic steps to respond to a heart attack prepares you to act confidently and effectively when it matters most. Taking a CPR class and learning to use an AED can further increase your ability to help in an emergency.
