In basic lay terms...
OK - heart attack is basically an interruption of the normal flow of blood to the heart muscle.. We all know it can prove fatal but basic knowledge of first aid can save a life.
Occurs when a small blood clot obstructs a coronary artery which has been narrowed by atherosclerosis. Sometimes it's a spasm which narrows or closes an artery. When the supply of oxygen and blood are interrupted - cells in the affected area are injured. If it lasts long enough or is severe- damage cannot be reversed.
Symptoms?
Chest pain ... but even then severe indigestion, infection, pneumonia, strenuous exercise, tension, rib cartilage injury.. all have to be ruled out.
Lay person would not be able to differentiate... see doctor .. call ambulance if severe enough pain.
People can also have "silent heart attacks" - no chest pain. Guy who hit Wildy had this history. Not easy to detect in this kind of weather where heat causes low blood pressure and fainting and sweating. But if abnormal feelings of faintness, dizziness and sweating - see doctor asap.
If we see patients who suspect heart attack soon enough and run the tests.. we can treat to dissolve the blood clots and even halt the attack
Main symptoms to look out for...can be combination..
1. chest pain raanging from moderate to severe and lasting for 20 minutes plus. Usually has a crushing or squeezing sensation with it.
2. Chest pain which radiates into shoulders, arms, neck and jaw.
3. Light headedness, fainting, sweating (confusable with heat stress in current climate)
4. Nausea and vomiting with above symptoms
5. Pale skin, shortness of breath, feeling of apprehension..
WHAT TO DO
If person is conscious.. help person to comfortable position .. semi sitting. Lying down can cause more breathing problems.
Loosen any tight clothing - around chest - neck - waist.
Ask person if they have history of heart/angina and ask about prescriptive medication. Place tablet under the tongue - will dissolve here and help dilate the blood vessels in the heart more quickly.
Keep patient warm - blanket .. coat ..
Call ambulance and tell service that you suspect heart attack
If you can get patient to hospital more quicky than waiting for ambulance - do so - but at speed limit
Do NOT feed or give patient a drink prior to being seen by doc.
IF UNCONSCIOUS
Call ambulance immediately
If you have a pulse and decent breathing - place patient in "recovery position" - so that if they vomit... vomit is expelled- they cannot choke on it.
If person has stopped breathing - make sure ambulance service is aware - especially if you do not know how to start arificial ventilation and chest compressions. Cardiac massage can be dangerous if person's heart is still beating as it can send rhythm out of beat
I would advise all to enrol on basic first aid courses anyway.
As for the link.. handy said it all
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