First aid for heart attacks
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Transcript of First aid for heart attacks
Stratford Upon Avon First Aid
First aid for heart attacks
What is a heart attack?
Stratford Upon Avon First Aid
The heart is a muscle with its own blood supply
The heart is supplied with blood by a network of coronary arteries
These arteries can become blocked with clots or fatty tissue
What is a heart attack?
Stratford Upon Avon First Aid
When the coronary arteries become blocked, the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen/nutrients and dies
This is known as a heart attack
Stratford Upon Avon First Aid
Signs and Symptoms
Stratford Upon Avon First Aid
> Chest pain (which does not get better)
- May spread to jaw / shoulders / arm / back
> Shortness of breath
> Casualty becomes pale / sweaty
> Fear and anxiety (“sense of impending doom!”)
> Irregular pulse
> Feeling sick (nausea) and vomitting
Stratford Upon Avon First Aid
First aid treatment
Stratford Upon Avon First Aid
1) Call an ambulance immediately
2) Encourage the casualty to chew a 300mg Aspirin unless they are allergic
3) Place the casualty in a position of rest, ideally on the floor
4) Monitor the casualty, and give reassurance whilst waiting for ambulance
5) Be prepared for the casualty to deteriorate
Aspirin
Stratford Upon Avon First Aid
Aspirin helps by breaking down clots which cause heart attacks
You should encourage the casualty to chew a 300mg (large) aspirin so that it is absorbed through the mouth
They should not swallow the Aspirin as this will not be effective