First Aid for Heart Attack everyone should know

A heart attack is a medical emergency. If you see someone closeby getting a heart attack you should be aware of the first aid treatments that need to be given so that the chances of fatality for the concerned person is cut down till hospital assistance is available.

In places where medical assistance takes time to arrive, first aid knowledge is like godsend.

For medical emergencies like heart attack one should have a clear idea about the symptoms.

Symptoms of heart attack vary and are difficult to understand at that particular time due to the panic associated with it. Commonly, when heart attacks occur people feel terrible chest pain like a pressure, or a tight squeeze or fullness in the heart. The pain is often in the centre of the chest.

Pain is also felt in the jaw, shoulder, arms, stomach and also in the back. "This pain happens because a blockage stops blood getting to the heart muscle. The pain will not ease with rest," says the British Redcross Society.

The person will experience breathlessness, weakness and numbness usually in the left arm.

The person would also faint and sweat a lot during a heart attack.

Soon after you see symptoms of heart attack in an individual do not wait for a moment and start acting. You need to remember that every second counts in such a medically critical situation.

The first and foremost step is to call the emergency number for ambulance services. Even though first aid treatment will be given, the person still needs to get medical assistance as soon as possible.

Soon after you have done the medical emergency call, help the person to sit down comfortably. Sitting eases the strain on the heart. Experts have also said that sitting down reduces the chances of collapsing due to the attack.

Till the time medical assistance arrives, speak to the person gently. Give the person hope that everything will be alright and medical help is on its way.

If the person loses consciousness, in the meantime, give CPR. "If the person isn't breathing or you don't find a pulse, begin CPR to keep blood flowing after you call for emergency medical help. Push hard and fast on the center of the person's chest in a fairly rapid rhythm — about 100 to 120 compressions a minute," say experts at MayoClinic.

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While first aid treatment can delay or in many cases prevent adversities, it is always wise to seek medical help as soon as possible. Do not postpone the hospital visit once you feel okay. It is very essential to get checkups done at the right time so that medical treatment starts early.