St John (Qld) total first aid solutions

In an emergency call triple zero ‘000’ for an ambulance

Signs and symptoms ManagementThe warning signs of heart attack vary and usually last for at least 10 minutes. The casualty may get more than one of these symptoms:

• Discomfort or pain in the centre of the chest. It may come on suddenly or start slowly over a few minutes. It may be described as tightness, heaviness, fullness or squeezing. • The pain may be severe, moderate or mild.• Pain may spread to the neck, throat / jaw, shoulders, back and either (or both) arm(s).

Other signs and symptoms

• Shortness of breath• Sweating• Nausea / vomiting• Dizziness

1. Follow DRSABCD action planDanger – check for Danger.Response – check for Responsiveness.Send for help – Send for help. Call triple zero ‘000’.Airway – clear and open Airway.Breathing – check for normal Breathing.CPR – commence CPR if not breathing (30 chest compressions: 2 rescue breaths). Defibrillator – apply Defibrillator if available and follow prompts.

2. Advise the casualty to immediately stop activity and sit down.

3. If any symptoms are severe, get worse quickly or last for 10 minutes • Ensure call for an ambulance has been made. • Do not hang up.

4. Loosen tight clothing.

5. Give the conscious casualty 300mg (one tablet) of aspirin in water. • Do not give aspirin to: – Those allergic to it; or – If their doctor has warned them against taking aspirin. • If casualty has been prescribed medication (such as a tablet or oral spray for angina) assist the casualty in taking it as they have been directed.

6. Stay with the casualty.

7. Monitor response and breathing.

8. Be prepared to give CPR.

First aid for heart attackA heart attack occurs when there is a sudden complete blockage of an artery that supplies an area of the heart. A heart attack usually begins when an area of fatty plaque (thickened with cholesterol) cracks and a blood clot forms over the crack. This blocks the blood flow to the heart muscle beyond the clot and causes the muscle to become damaged.

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St John Ambulance (Qld) total first aid solutions | 1300 360 455 | www.stjohnqld.com.au

Printed October 2012