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How to deal with a heart attack

A heart attack is one of the most common life-threatening heart conditions in the UK.

If you suspected someone was having a heart attack, what would you do?

A man having a heart attack in a park 1 © Layton Thompson/British Red Cross

Heart attack symptoms

  • lips turning blue
  • profuse sweating
  • extreme gasping for air
  • sudden fainting or dizziness
  • persistent, vice-like central chest pain.

Treatment for heart attacks

1. Sit the person down.

2. Call an ambulance immediately, even if you are not sure about the symptoms.

3. If the person is conscious, give them a 300 mg tablet of aspirin to chew.

A woman holds a man in a seated position on the ground with his knees up 2 © Layton Thompson/British Red Cross

The main risk is that the heart will stop beating. Be prepared to resuscitate if necessary.

If you would like to learn more techniques, why not look at our range of first aid courses throughout the UK?

Call 0844 871 8000 or email firstaid@redcross.org.uk

Find out how to resuscitate

Buy a first aid manual
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First aid training
Emergency response and first aid volunteering
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