An obstruction in the flow of blood to the heart muscles is known as a Heart Attack. It’s mainly a result of a blood clot in the coronary vessels. The outcome of the situation depends on how much part of the heart muscle is affected and how quickly can the help be given to the casualty.
Note: Always call for emergency services rather than waiting for the symptoms to subside.
Assessing the Heart Attack
- Persistent and crushing chest pain, spreading up to the jaw and down one or both the arms, which does not subside when the casualty rests.
Diabetes patients may not experience pain!
- High discomfort in the abdomen region that might feel like severe indigestion, nausea, and vomiting.
- Breathlessness, possibly gasping for air.
- A dizzy feeling that might lead the casualty to collapse.
- Pale, grey, or sweaty skin
- Rapid, slow, or irregular pulse
- Possible loss of consciousness
Immediate steps to be taken in such a situation
Step 1: Ease Strain on Heart
Place the casualty as comfortably as possible, in the half-sitting position, with his hands and shoulders well supported and knees bent to ease the strain on the heart. Also, loosen the clothing at the neck, chest, and waist.
Step 2: Call for Emergency Help
Don’t spend even a single second here and there. Calling for emergency medical services should be primary on your list of calls, followed by the subsequent steps below.
Step 3: Give Angina Medication
If the patient is conscious and already using the medication for angina, help him take it.
Give Aspirin 300mg full dose and ask the casualty to chew the tablet.
Step 4: Monitor the casualty
Keep checking the casualty’s consciousness, breathing, and pulse on a regular basis.
What to do with an unconscious casualty?
(Follow the BLS — Basic Life Support protocol)
Step 1: Open the Airway
Check for breathing and begin CPR.
Step 2: Send for AED (Automated External Defibrillator)
This can usually be found in public places like shopping malls, railway stations, etc.
Step 3: Operate AED
Attach the pads and the machine will itself guide you through the process of delivering shocks.
Inference
Heart Attack is a very serious issue and should be tackled in a similar manner. Always call for emergency help before implementing any of the steps mentioned. Follow the drill strictly in case of a conscious as well as an unconscious casualty and it will surely help to ease out the situation.
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