What is a Heart Attack?

A heart attack is normally caused by an obstruction of the blood supply to part of the heart, caused for example by a blood clot in a coronary artery.

Recognition

1. Casualty complains of a vice-like grip pain in the chest which can spread to the jaw and down one or both arms

2. Pain does NOT eases with rest

3. Shortness of breath

4. May collapse without warning

5. Sudden and oftern extreme weakness

6. Feeling anxious, impending sense of doom

7. "Ashen" skin

8. Rapid weak or irregular pulse

9. Profuse sweating

Treatment

1. Help caualty to sit in a half sitting position with their back leaning against a wall and legs bent and reassure them

2. Assist them to take any medication they may have

3. Remove casualty to hospital.

4. Monitor and record casualties condition

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