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In Case of a Heart Attack

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What Should You Do If Someone Has a Heart Attack?

What to do in case of a heart attack? If someone around you is experiencing the symptoms of a heart attack or a stroke, would you know what to do? Commit these basics to memory and you’ll be better prepared. Above all, stay calm and move quickly. The sooner you can get professional medical help, the better the chances of survival.

In Case of a Heart Attack:

1. Call 9-1-1 immediately

a. Tell the operator where you are, and describe the person’s symptoms and when they first occurred.

2. Follow the operators instructions carefully

a. The operator might recommend that you give the person an aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). First make sure the person does not have an allergy or a condition that would make taking aspirin too risky. And remember, not all pain relievers are aspirin. Do not substitute ibuprofen or acetaminophen in this case.

3. Start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

a. If the person loses his or her pulse, start CPR. If you’re in public place and you’re not sure what to do, yell for help.

4. Go to the nearest hospital

a. If you cannot access emergency medical services (EMS) right away, get to an emergency room. If you are having the symptoms, do not drive yourself unless there is no other option available.

In Case of a Stroke:

There is a series of simple tests you can do to determine if a person is experiencing a stroke. Just remember to act “F.A.S.T.”

  • Face
  • Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
  • Arms
  • Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
  • Speech
  • Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are the words slurred? Did the person repeat the sentence correctly?
  • Time
  • If the person had any of the previous symptoms, time is important. Call 9-1-1 or get to the hospital fast.

Source: National Stroke Association

HEALTH

Jenny Dean
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