Heart Attack

The presentation ranges from nothing to lethargy, nausea/vomit, shortness of breath, indigestion, back pain to sudden intense unbearable central chest pain radiating to jaw/left arm or both arms, the back and intense epigastric (below ribcage) pain.

The first aider can send for immediate help, provide a rest position, offer reassurance and if available offer a 300mg Aspirin to chew. Chewing the Aspirin allows it to be absorbed from the gums and enter the bloodstream much faster than by swallowing it.