Note: The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is crucial to seek proper training from a certified first aid professional before attempting any first aid techniques or procedures. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalised guidance and to ensure your actions align with your specific circumstances.
First Aid Heart Attack Awareness
Cardiac arrests and heart attacks are leading causes of death worldwide, and knowing how to treat someone who is suffering a cardiac arrest can be life-saving. In the workplace, it is essential to have qualified first aiders who have undertaken specific training to treat medical emergency situations such as this, and it is a good idea for all employees to have training or knowledge of the correct actions to take.
You can find more information about first aid treatment for heart attacks and cardiac arrest here. The key fact to remember is that you should call an ambulance immediately if you suspect that someone is having a heart attack. Emergency medical help can save a person’s life and being able to recognise the symptoms of a heart attack can make a big difference to the outcome.
Ensuring that your staff are trained correctly to deal with first aid incidents is vital so that you can protect your employees and members of the public who interact with your business. Our First Aid Course in Cork will cover essential first aid for emergency situations and accidents at work to give you peace of mind and protection.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of a Heart Attack?
During a heart attack, the supply of blood to the heart muscle becomes blocked, usually by a blood clot, and the lack of blood can damage the heart muscle and can even be fatal. Prompt medical treatment reduces the risks of long term damage and fatality, and you should look out for the following heart attack symptoms:
- Sudden chest pain. This is usually pain in the centre of the chest or a feeling of tightness, pressure or squeezing. Some people describe this chest pain as a crushing pain, but experiences can vary greatly.
- Pain that radiates. This can feel like the pain is spreading from the chest to other parts of the body, often the arms, usually the left arm, and the jaw, neck, back or belly.
- Unexplained sweating. This may appear suddenly, as a cold sweat, when there has been no obvious exertion.
- A feeling of lightheadedness is common.
- Coughing or wheezing.
- Shortness of breath. Many heart attack patients complain of shortness of breath and you should seek prompt medical treatment if you see this symptom.
- Feeling sick or being sick.
- Heightened anxiety.
A heart attack can manifest differently in different people and some may not experience chest pain at all. This is more common in women and those with diabetes, as well as the elderly, who may be more likely to experience subtle or unusual symptoms. The presence of several of these symptoms is more likely to indicate a heart attack, and people often mistake a panic attack for a heart attack. However, you should not hesitate to call the emergency services if you are concerned.
Sometimes the symptoms of angina can look similar to a heart attack, but these will usually occur during exercise and disappear within a few minutes. Angina is a syndrome that can occur when the supply of oxygen-rich blood to the heart is restricted, and this can be controlled with medication. However, people who experience angina may also have a heart attack, so it is important to monitor carefully and call an ambulance if you have concerns or think your patient requires emergency medical help.
Treating Heart Attack Symptoms
If you think someone is having or has had a heart attack, they should sit or lie down and rest while the ambulance is on its way as this puts less pressure on the heart than standing. You can give Aspirin if certified to administer it and its available but if you are not certified then take instructions from the 999 controller on the phone.
What is Cardiac Arrest?
Cardiac arrest can occur when a condition known as ventricular arrhythmia causes the heart to stop beating. If your casualty appears not to be breathing and is not moving or responsive, this may show that they are in cardiac arrest. At this stage, you should use a defibrillator while you are waiting for the ambulance, if you have access to one.
How to Treat Cardiac Arrest
Treating Cardiac Arrest involves following the “Chain of Survival” which are the five vital links to save a life. The first 3 links can be completed by anyone while the final 2 links are only to be completed by trained medical professionals.
It is critical to administer CPR and chest compressions as soon as possible followed by using an automated external defibrillator (AED)
Chains of Survival
- Immediate recognition of cardiac arrest and contacting the emergency services
- Early CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) with an emphasis on chest compressions
- Rapid defibrillation
- Effective advanced life support
- Integrated post-cardiac arrest care
Automated external defibrillator (AED)
There should be an automated external defibrillator (AED) in every workplace, and you can simply switch on the machine and follow the verbal instructions given. This will take you through the process of applying shock pads to the body safely, monitoring the person’s heartbeat and administering a charge that aims to restart the heart if needed. Many lives have been saved by the early use of a defibrillator and all first aid courses will allow you to practice this procedure.
If you do not have access to an automated external defibrillator (AED), you can carry out chest compressions, which are another lifesaving procedure that is a core part of first aid training. This practice is also known as hands only CPR, and has replaced advice to alternate compressions with rescue breaths. To do this, you will need to administer compressions at about 100 compressions per minute, using the heel of one hand with the other hand on top on the breastbone in the centre of the chest. You should use your body weight to give firm compressions until the ambulance or attending physician arrives, and this can be physically exhausting so it will help to alternate compressions with another person.
Heart Disease Risk Factors
You can invest in the health and safety of your staff team with the appropriate health and safety training for your workplace, and by encouraging a healthy lifestyle. For instance, raising awareness of the risk factors for heart disease as well as heart attack symptoms. You may be at greater risk of heart disease, heart attack and cardiac arrest if you smoke, if you have diabetes, if you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol or if you lead an inactive lifestyle. You may also be at greater risk if you have a family history of heart disease.
Find Your First Aid Course in Cork
Here at ASM Group, our mission is to deliver training that is professional and engaging, covering all of the health and safety legislation and practices you need to protect your team and your business. We have a range of courses, including First Aid training, IOSH and PHECC certified courses and Safe Pass, and we prioritise legal and practical compliance in all our training. We offer training across Ireland, with courses available in our training venues and in your workplace.
Our First Aid Responder Beginner Training is PHECC certified and certification is valid for two years. We also offer First Aid Refresher courses. Our experienced team will be happy to discuss your training needs as an individual or as an organisation, so contact us to find out more about our training options or to book your place on one of our Health and Safety training courses today.
