First Aid for Heart Attack Victims

In the movies, someone suffering a heart attack usually clutches their chest in a dramatic fashion before collapsing to the ground. In reality, though, the signs of a heart attack can be much more subtle, leaving bystanders unsure what — if anything — they should do to help.

Perhaps, most importantly, potential rescuers should understand that over-reacting to an apparent heart attack is far preferable than under-reacting, since the sooner victims arrive at a hospital, the higher their odds of survival. At the first sign of something amiss, a bystander should immediately call 911 and request emergency aid — or quickly dispatch another person to do so.

The next essential step is to be aware of heart attack symptoms and possible responses while awaiting professional help. With heart disease as America’s number one killer, and 250,000 people dying each year from sudden cardiac arrest, it’s impossible to overstate the importance of preparing for such an unexpected, cataclysmic event, even if you don’t personally know anyone with cardiac problems.

Heart attacks, also known as myocardial infarctions, typically occur because a clot or plaque formation has broken loose, blocking the flow of oxygen in the arteries leading to the heart. Consequently, heart attacks often announce themselves with crushing pain in the center of the chest. But a heart attack victim may instead complain of feeling pressure, fullness or tightening in the chest or a less intense pain that radiates from their chest to the jaw, left arm or shoulder area.

These sensations may also come and go, leading to more confusion over how to respond. Some victims, especially women and the elderly, are prone to nausea or vomiting as well. Many victims may also look pale or clammy or feel short of breath. Ultimately, it can be very difficult to understand exactly what is happening. Even if you are unsure a heart attack is occurring — and even if the potential victim denies a problem — call for help immediately.

While waiting for an ambulance, bystanders can make sure the stricken person is sitting or lying down comfortably and help loosen their clothing. If an aspirin is handy and the person is not allergic to it, have the patient chew one while waiting for medical help. (Aspirin is known for its clot-busting abilities.) Do not leave the victim alone until help arrives.

A more dire situation presents itself if the patient loses consciousness. At that point, the proper response is to check his breathing and heartbeat. Place your cheek just over the nose and mouth to feel for breathing while watching for the chest to rise and fall. Feel for his pulse at the side of his neck just under the jaw.

If the patient is in cardiac arrest (no breath or heartbeat), ask anyone nearby if they are trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). If you and/or another bystander are trained, administer CPR until the ambulance arrives. While formal training improves the victim’s odds of being resuscitated,  untrained rescuers can still help by pressing their palm on the lower section of the victim's breastbone in hard, rhythmic thrusts.

Known as hands-only CPR, the American Heart Association recognizes this action as a potentially lifesaving tool by those not trained in conventional CPR. (Many medical centers and the Red Cross, among other organizations, offer classes in CPR.) Without any form of effective CPR, the odds of a cardiac arrest victim’s survival decrease 7 to 10% every minute. But CPR, even hands-only CPR, can double or triple their chances of surviving the event.

If you are able to locate a first aid device known as an automatic external defibrillator (AED), this device would be a first choice to use on a heart attack victim while someone else performs CPR. Typically found in public places, such as airports, libraries, malls, health clubs, restaurants or houses of worship, AEDs resemble small red lunchboxes and are hung on walls, just like fire extinguishers.

No training is required to use an AED on a potential heart attack victim, since the portable device is computerized and advises the rescuer with voices, lights or text messages on what actions to take. The AED, once connected to a victim by a few wires, checks a person’s heart rhythm and shocks the patient’s heart if necessary.

According to the American Heart Association, more than 20,000 lives could be saved annually with the rapid use of AEDs in crisis situations.

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