Recognize possible heart attack symptoms
Symptoms may include chest pressure or pain, discomfort in an arm, back, neck, jaw or stomach, shortness of breath, cold sweat, nausea or light-headedness. Symptoms can vary. Treat possible symptoms as urgent.
What to do while help is coming
- Call 112 or 108. Give the exact address or landmark, callback number and what is happening. Put the phone on speaker and follow the call handler’s instructions.
- Keep the person resting and comfortable. Stay with them, loosen tight clothing and watch their response and breathing. Do not let them drive themselves or leave them alone.
- If they become unresponsive, check breathing. If they are not breathing normally or are only gasping, treat it as cardiac arrest. Ask someone to call emergency services and bring an AED if available.
- Start chest compressions for an adult. Lay them on their back on a firm, flat surface. Put the heel of one hand in the centre of the chest and your other hand on top. With elbows straight, push hard and fast, about 100–120 times a minute. Let the chest rise fully between pushes. Continue until help takes over, they start breathing normally, or you cannot continue.
- Use an AED if available. Switch it on and follow its spoken prompts. Continue CPR while it is prepared, and restart compressions when instructed.
Important: CPR instructions here apply to an adult who is unresponsive and not breathing normally. Children and infants need different CPR guidance. Follow the emergency call handler’s instructions and take an accredited CPR course to learn the technique.
Sources: American Red Cross Hands-Only CPR · Red Cross heart attack first aid · AHA/Red Cross first aid guidelines
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