How to Handle a Heart Attack

I'd like to give some background first. I am CPR certified and I worked as a dispatcher for my local police department for several months. This required me to become a certified medical dispatched with EMD (Emergency Medical Dispatch). I have learned several things about heart attacks and the symptoms of them through this as well as personal experience with a family member. To start I will discuss some of the symptoms that you may experience prior to a full on heart attack. Second, I will discuss what things you can do if someone you know is suffering a heart attack. Third, I will discuss the use of an AED or shock box.

There are some things that you can watch for to help prevent yourself or someone else from getting a heart attack. If you know someone with these symptoms, please urge them to see a doctor. The first symptom is chest pain. Many heart attack patients often had chest pain for days, weeks, or sometimes even months before they had their heart attack. They never mention this pain and never think much of it, but it is a big deal! My uncle felt chest pain for 2 months before he had his heart attack, and he never mentioned feeling this pain to anyone. The pain can feel like pressure, squeezing, or fullness and will last more than just a few minutes at a time. Also watch for this pain to spread. If it spreads to your shoulders, neck, or arms, visit a doctor immediately. Some signs of a heart attack are also nausea, difficulty breathing, and cold or sweaty skin.