First Aid for chest pains

First Aid for Chest Pains

Chest pains can be the sign of a heart attack, and the following first aid measures should be immediately taken.
Symptoms: Pain or pressure in chest that can radiate to arms, back, neck, or jaw; sweating; dizziness; shortness of breath; changes in skin color; nausea



Emergency Treatment:

1. Have victim stop activity and sit in comfortable position.
   
   
2. Ask victim if you can help, if they have ever had this problem before, or if they are on medication for this problem.
   
   
3. Assist victim with medication if victim asks for it. Help victim take prescribed doses, but DO NOT suggest any medication to victim. Note what and how much medication victim took.
   
   
4. If pain lasts more than 5 minutes, goes away and comes back, or gets worse, call for EMS.
   
   
5. Stay with victim until EMS arrives. If victim becomes unconscious, check signs of circulation and breathing (see ABCs). See rescue breathing if victim is not breathing but has signs of circulation; see CPR if no signs of circulation or breathing.