Cardiac arrest first aid is a critical step that requires a quick and precise response. When the heartbeat is interrupted, every second counts to maintain heart function, minimize damage, and save lives.
So, understand the steps to take when you or someone else is having a heart attack! Don't forget the common symptoms to look out for in this urgent situation!
A heart attack occurs when the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart is stopped due to a blocked coronary blood vessel. Without oxygen, heart muscle tissue can be damaged, and the sooner you act, the more parts of the heart can be saved. Here are the steps:
Symptoms of a heart attack can include intense chest pain, a feeling of pressure or fullness in the chest, pain that can radiate to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back. There are also other symptoms such as shortness of breath, cold sweat, nausea, or dizziness.
If you feel any of these symptoms, stop the activity immediately. To be more certain about your heart health, you should immediately come to the emergency room of the Cardiac Center Persada Hospital Malang to be examined by a specialist.
After recognizing the symptoms, immediately find a place to sit down as a first aid for a heart attack. Sit in a position that makes you feel most comfortable and safe, either with or without a backrest.
Do not lie down, as this position can make the heart work harder. If you are alone, call emergency medical services immediately. Use a landline or cell phone that is nearby and tell the operator that you may be having a heart attack.
While waiting for help at the nearest door or exit, try to stay calm and loosen your clothes to prevent chest tightness.
Panicking will only increase the heart's oxygen demand and make the situation worse. Take a deep breath and exhale slowly to help calm yourself and reduce anxiety.
Do not attempt to drive yourself to the hospital. Driving in these conditions is extremely dangerous as you could lose consciousness or experience serious complications during the journey.
Waiting for an ambulance is the best option as the medical staff in the ambulance can provide the necessary first aid during the journey to the hospital.
It is also important to know the steps to take when you are in a position to help someone else who is having a heart attack.
When you find someone who is conscious but showing signs of cardiac arrest, take the following steps:
1. The first step of heart attack first aid is to calm them down and make sure they are sitting in a safe place.
2. Provide emotional support by speaking calmly and clearly, letting them know that you are helping.
3. Then, contact a professional medical emergency service immediately and provide clear information about the patient's condition and location.
4. If the patient has a history of heart disease and has medications such as nitroglycerin or aspirin prescribed, help them to take them according to the doctor's instructions.
5. It is important to remember that you should never administer medication without the patient's consent. While waiting for medical assistance to arrive, keep a close eye on the patient's condition.
6. If they start showing signs of losing consciousness or if their condition worsens, be prepared to administer CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
If the patient is unconscious, you must act immediately as a cardiac arrest first aid. Make sure the surrounding environment is safe for you and the patient first, then:
1. Contact the nearest medical emergency service and provide clear and complete information about the patient's condition and location.
2. If the patient is truly not breathing or only breathing abnormally (e.g., taking only occasional but ineffective breaths), perform CPR.
3. Start with chest compressions. Place one of your palms in the center of the patient's chest, with the other palm on top of it, and hook the fingers of the upper hand onto the back of the palm underneath.
4. Be sure to use your body weight to press the patient's chest down about 5 cm at a rate of about 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
5. These chest compressions help pump blood from the heart to the rest of the body, including the brain and other vital organs.
6. If you are trained to ventilate (give artificial breaths), do two breaths after every 30 chest compressions.
7. If not, continue with the chest compressions until medical assistance arrives or until an AED (automated external defibrillator) is available.
8. If an AED is available, follow the instructions provided by the device. An AED is a device designed to deliver an electric shock to the heart to restore normal heart rhythm.
9. Follow the audible or visual instructions of the AED and ensure that no one touches the patient while the AED is analyzing the heart rhythm or delivering an electric shock.
During this process, continue to communicate with emergency services if possible. Provide updates on the patient's condition and the actions you have taken.
This will help them prepare for the next actions that need to be taken when they arrive.
Also Read: 10 Ways to Maintain Heart Health from an Early Age
A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when the flow of blood carrying oxygen to the heart is stopped due to a blockage in a coronary artery. Without oxygen, heart cells begin to die. This can cause permanent damage to the heart muscle.
Symptoms of a heart attack can vary from individual to individual, but there are some signs that are commonly felt by many people, such as:
Chest pain is the symptom most associated with a heart attack. It can feel like a heavy pressure, squeezing, or burning sensation in the center of the chest. This pain can last for more than a few minutes or go away and come back.
Another frequent symptom is discomfort that spreads to other areas of the upper body, such as one or both arms, back, neck, jaw, or abdomen.
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Shortness of breath is also a common sign that can occur before or along with chest pain. Other symptoms include cold sweats, nausea or vomiting, as well as dizziness or lightheadedness.
Some people, particularly women, the elderly and diabetics, may experience specific non-specific symptoms such as extreme fatigue, shortness of breath without chest pain and abdominal discomfort that are often mistaken for acid reflux.
Some people may experience a heart attack with no symptoms at all. This is known as a silent heart attack. Therefore, you should not ignore symptoms that are unusual or do not fit the 'classic picture' of a heart attack.
Also Read: Causes of Heart Disease Based on Types
Heart attacks must be treated as soon as possible so that patients can recover as usual. Persada Hospital is a hospital in Malang that has comprehensive cardiac facilities and services.
Supported by technology, competent specialists, Dr. Henry Kasudarman, Sp.EM and his team, we can treat heart attacks while still collaborating with the patient's family for moral support.
Visit Cardiac Center Persada Hospital for heart health control and treatment of heart problems! Check the schedule of cardiologists at Persada Hospital to consult with our best doctors. You can also learn the latest tips on health through Persada Hospital's article page. Let's go! It's time to #SehatBarengPersada
Reference:
UPK.kemkes.go.id 5 First Aid Steps for Heart Attack Patient
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