Heart Attack

A heart attack occurs when the muscle of the heart has an inadequate blood supply. This may be caused by a blood clot blocking a coronary artery, which could cause the muscle to be damaged, die, or cause interference with the electrical activity of the heart, causing it to stop beating (also known as cardiac arrest). If someone is having a heart attack they will probably be in prolonged oppressive pain or unusual discomfort in the centre of the chest, behind the breastbone. The pain may also be felt in the shoulder, arm, neck or jaw. They may also experience sweating, weakness, nausea, shortness of breath, and they may or may not be unconscious.

Action Plan

All cases of chest pain should be investigated, if the above symptoms occur an ambulance should be called at once, preferably a Cardiac Ambulance, as every second is vital. Do not allow a casualty to drive themselves to hospital. If there is no ambulance available and the casualty is conscious reassure them and gently support them with pillows, placing them in a half-sitting position with their knees bent. It is important to prevent the patient from making any unnecessary movements, as this will put extra strain on their heart. Loosen any tight clothing around the neck, chest and waist to enable them to breath more easily and treat for shock. Go to hospital immediately, maintaining the treatment position if possible. If the casualty is unconscious, and their heartbeat and breathing have stopped you should begin resuscitation immediately. You should then go to hospital immediately, and if necessary continue resuscitation on the way. If they are unconscious, but breathing normally place them in the recovery position and check their pulse rate continuously.