Medical Emergency Part 1: How to Recognize a Heart Attack
Wendy Nichole Hennessy
Community Education Director @ Nuvance Health | MBA,SHRM-CP, NBC-HWC
Do you know what to do in a medical emergency? Do you know what the signs are? In this first of a three part series, we offer some quick tips on what to do if you think someone is going into cardiac arrest (more commonly referred to as heart attack). Pay attention, act promptly and you could help save someone’s life!
When someone suffers a heart attack, minutes — especially the first few minutes — are very important. Delay can prove deadly!
The most common sign of a heart attack is chest pain or discomfort, often described as uncomfortable pressure, fullness, or squeezing. The pain is often located in the center of the chest under the breastbone, but may also start in or spread to the shoulder or arm, neck or lower jaw. The pain may remain constant or it may come and go.
Other signs of a possible heart attack include:
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Difficulty breathing
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Fainting
If you see someone with any of these symptoms, here’s what you can do:
- Stay calm and dial 9-1-1.
- Stay on the line and answer all questions.
- Follow the directions of the 9-1-1 operator.
- Perform hands-only CPR.
- If possible, send someone outside to direct the ambulance.
Health Quest Community Education offers many American Heart Association CPR courses. Learn more about CPR, including how to perform it and get certified as an individual or healthcare professional.
If we aren't near you find an American Heart Association class in your area at: https://cpr.heart.org/AHAECC/CPRAndECC/FindACourse/UCM_473162_Find-A-Course.jsp