In the world of emergency medical situations, the phrase “time is muscle” couldn’t be more accurate, especially when it comes to heart-related emergencies. Knowing how to perform heart first aid can be the difference between life and death. This guide will equip you with essential English skills to understand and execute heart first aid effectively.
Understanding Heart Attacks
What is a Heart Attack?
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked, usually by a blood clot. This blockage can cause damage to the heart muscle, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and dizziness.
Symptoms to Look Out For
- Chest Pain: Often described as a sharp, heavy, or squeezing sensation.
- Shortness of Breath: This may occur even with minimal exertion.
- Dizziness or Fainting: These symptoms can indicate that the heart is not getting enough blood.
- Other Signs: Nausea, cold sweat, pain in the arms, neck, jaw, or back.
Recognizing Cardiac Arrest
What is Cardiac Arrest?
Cardiac arrest is when the heart suddenly stops beating. It’s different from a heart attack, as the heart stops beating in cardiac arrest, whereas in a heart attack, the heart keeps beating but not properly.
Signs of Cardiac Arrest
- No Pulse: If you can’t feel a pulse, the person is in cardiac arrest.
- No Breathing or Gasping: Look for signs of normal breathing. If the person is not breathing or only gasping, it’s an emergency.
- Unresponsive: If the person is not responding to you or to gentle shaking.
Performing Heart First Aid
Calling for Help
- Dial Emergency Services: In the UK, dial 999. In the US, dial 911. In Australia, dial 000.
- Use Hands-Free Calling: If you’re able to, use hands-free calling to keep both hands free for first aid.
Assessing the Situation
- Check Responsiveness: Gently tap the person’s shoulders and shout, “Are you okay?”
- Check Breathing: Look, listen, and feel for no more than 10 seconds.
- Check Pulse: Place two fingers on the person’s neck to feel for a pulse.
Performing CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
How to Perform CPR
- Position the Person: Lay the person flat on their back on a hard, flat surface.
- Perform Chest Compressions: Place the heel of one hand on the center of the person’s chest. Place your other hand on top, interlocking your fingers. Keep your elbows straight and position your shoulders directly over your hands.
- Compress the Chest: Press down firmly and quickly at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. The depth of the compressions should be about 2 inches.
- Open the Airway: Tilt the person’s head back slightly and lift the chin to open the airway.
- Give Rescue Breaths: Pinch the nose shut and make a complete seal over the person’s mouth with your mouth. Blow into the person’s mouth for about 1 second, making sure the chest rises with each breath.
When to Switch to Rescue Breaths
After 30 chest compressions, give 2 rescue breaths. Continue with cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths until help arrives or the person shows signs of life.
Using an AED (Automated External Defibrillator)
- Turn on the AED: Follow the prompts on the machine.
- Attach the Pads: Place the pads on the person’s bare chest as instructed by the AED.
- Listen to Instructions: The AED will analyze the heart rhythm. If a shock is needed, the AED will instruct you to press the shock button.
Final Thoughts
Being prepared to perform heart first aid can make a significant difference in emergency situations. Remember, it’s better to act and be wrong than to do nothing at all. Keep in mind that these are essential skills, but it’s always best to receive formal training in first aid and CPR. By being equipped with these essential English skills, you’ll be able to respond confidently in a heart-related emergency.