First aid in case of heart attack is crucial. Adequate and prompt intervention can save lives! In many fatal cases the patient could have been saved if first aid is provided. It is important to be aware of things that you can do until the ambulance arrives.
The following brief instructions are intended to help with raising general awareness of first aid in case of heart attack. When a person gets into a similar situation, in which a relative or stranger is suffering a heart attack, it is important to keep composure as much as possible and not waste precious time.
Do not panic.
Immediately call the emergency number 112 and give clear and precise information about all visible and known symptoms and whereabouts of the victim.
To render adequate first aid until the arrival of the ambulance it is important to recognize the symptoms of a heart attack. Among the most common symptoms are:
• intense and prolonged chest pain
• pain in the left side of the chest
• pain in the shoulder or arm
• vertigo
• cold sweat
• nausea
• general weakness
In its initial phase the heart attack is described as a sudden attack of severe, burning, pressing and persistent pain in the chest - behind the breastbone or on the left side.
Before the arrival of the ambulance is important to relieve the breathing of the patient. Remove and loosen tight clothing, belts, etc. Put the victim to lie down so that the upper part of the body is higher than the lower. Provide access to fresh air.
In case of a heart attack one should periodically check blood pressure and pulse rate of the victim (every 5 minutes). When BP is normalized the patient may be given nitroglycerine (sublingual - tablet is placed under the tongue).
In case of a sudden drop in blood pressure, however nitroglycerin does not help.
If the victim is unconscious
If the victim loses consciousness, breathing and pulse, he or she should be placed on a hard surface immediately - for example on the floor - and the caregiver should instantly start cardiac resuscitation in order to restore vital signs. Do so until the arrival of the ambulance.
Make short punch in the sternum and begin with artificial respiration. Start heart massage – with every 15 pressures in the sternum an inhalation and exhalation should be done. Check victim’s pulse after every 2-3 series. If there is still no pulse - repeat.
Cardio-pulmonary first aid
Cardio-pulmonary first aid (also called 'resuscitation') is an emergency procedure comprised of cardiac massage and artificial respiration that is provided in case of loss of consciousness and due to cessation of blood circulation, respiration, or both. It can be done in a medical facility by specially trained personnel and in non-hospital settings by virtually anyone with the knowledge needed.
The procedure combines rhythmic physical pressure on the chest to create sufficient circulation to maintain oxidation of the brain through artificial respiration. The pressure on the chest creates conditions for a minimum circulation.
In most cases, the goal is to restore oxygenation to the brain. Often thus gain time until an ambulance shows up with special equipment such as a defibrillator - an apparatus for electrical defibrillation. Defibrillation can return the heart rhythm and restore blood circulation and breathing.
Artificial breathing is rhythmic supply of air to the lungs using a special tank of oxygen mixture or a 'mouth-to-nose 'or' mouth to mouth ' approach.
The procedure is carried out by specific algorithms depending on the level of medical training of the first-aid giver.
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