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what to do when someone has heart attack
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Cardiac & Vascular Health
Question #16914
4 days ago
14

what to do when someone has heart attack - #16914

Vanya

I am in a kinda stressful situation right now. Few days ago, my uncle was over for dinner, and outta nowhere, he clutched his chest and collapsed. It was terrifying!!! I didn't know what to do when someone has heart attack, and honestly, my mind went totally blank. I remember I heard that calling 911 is the first thing, but then I panicked and, like, forgot totally everything else. Luckily, my aunt had some medical training and she did CPR, but I just feel really anxious about it all. What can I do next time? I mean, what to do when someone has heart attack? I don’t want to freeze up again. Is it just CPR, or should I be doing something else too? I read somewhere that aspirin might help, but do you really give it to someone right away? That scared me too, what if that’s not the right thing? I’m also thinking about maybe getting certified for CPR just to be prepared in the future but really, what if something goes wrong? It’s just really weighing on my mind. Any advice is appreciated!!

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Doctors’ responses

If someone around you experiences a heart attack, timely action is critical. The first step is, indeed, calling 911 or your local emergency services. This ensures that professional medical help is on the way. While waiting, if the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, start CPR immediately. Compressions should be firm and fast, about 100-120 per minute. It’s okay if you’re not completely confident with your technique—any effort is better than none. Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) if available, as it can assess the heart rhythm and advise a shock if necessary. As for aspirin, it can help if the person is conscious, not allergic, and has no history of bleeding disorders, but it’s crucial to only do this if you’re quite certain. Crushing the tablet and swallowing it can inhibit clot formation. However, let emergency medical personnel handle further evaluation and treatment. CPR certification is an excellent idea; it provides not only useful skills but also boosts confidence in crisis situations. While it’s natural to worry, remember that freezing up is common. Being prepared with these basic steps can guide you through the initial moments and potentially save a life.

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