GRANDE PRAIRIE, Alta. – The first two hours after a heart attack are most crucial in ensuring the person lives.
Knowing the signs and symptoms are often key to keeping him or her alive, said Faris Atkinson, manager for St. John’s Ambulance.
“Recognizing is the best thing to save a person,” Atkinson told a session at the Peace River Farm Women’s Conference. “Time is a big factor.”
The most common initial sign of a heart attack is a feeling of pressure, squeezing and burning in the centre of the chest. It may come on gradually or it may come and go.
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“Often it’s mistaken for a real bad case of gas or indigestion,” said Atkinson.
Pain spreading to the left arm is often a red flag that signifies it is not indigestion.
Sometimes the victim knows the pain is likely a heart attack, but will deny it because of apprehension and fear.
Atkinson said the helper, usually a family member, must be forceful and take charge.
“Be bossy. Let them know they have to understand. Be firm. They’ll be saying ‘don’t fuss over me woman,’ ” she told the group.
The victim must stop what he’s doing and lay down.
Putting the victim into a truck and racing over gravel roads to the hospital may not be the next best step, since it might increase the victim’s anxiety. In many large centres, advanced cardiac paramedics provide the same care in the living room as the emergency room.
In smaller communities, waiting quietly at home for an ambulance is the next best choice.
It’s important while waiting for help to reassure and comfort the victim. Loosen the clothes around the chest, neck and waist to relieve any pressure.
If the victim has had a previous heart attack, offer to help him with his nitroglycerin tablets or spray. The drug opens the arteries and relieves pain.
Other symptoms of a heart attack include difficulty breathing, pallor, sweating, weakness or fatigue, nausea, apprehension and fear.
