Casualty collapses suddenly. Breathing is absent. Total absence of breathing is unique to Sudden Cardiac Arrest.
Rescuer to ensure that airway is clear and to gently roll the person to lie on his or her back.
Immediately commence Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and if an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is available give shock/s if prompted.
CPR to continue until Ambulance arrives and medical staff takes over.
(a) Pain, pressure, discomfort or squeezing in the centre of the chest (b) Radiating pain to the shoulder, neck, back, arms or jaw (c) Stabbing chest pain (d) Pounding heartbeat (palpitation) (e) Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing (f) Nausea, vomiting, severe indigestion (g) Breaking out in sweat for no apparent reason (h) Dizziness or weakness (i) Sensation of panic with a feeling of impending doom.
Rescuer to make the casualty comfortable & allow the back and head to be in reclining position, while ensuring that airway is clear.
A 325 mg Aspirin tablet is to be given to chew. Aspirin prevents blood clots and make help keep an artery partially open. Chewing takes it to the bloodstream quickly, rather than swallowing.
Make sure the Casualty continues breathing and has a pulse until the ambulance arrives.
If the Casualty stops breathing at any time, immediately commence CPR.
Either there are no symptoms or symptoms are so mild and brief that these are ignored as something ordinary. Also, discomfort may be felt in the center of the chest and not as a sharp pain on the left side of the chest as in the case above. One or more of symptoms (listed under 'Heart Attack' above) may be present but in mild form and for brief durations.
Only an ECG will indicate Silent Myocardial Infraction. Should there be a suspicion of SMI, it is better to play safe by going-in for an ECG and Troponin test.
If the Casualty stops breathing at any time, immediately commence CPR.
These are the same for both type of strokes. Symptoms can be one or more of the following:
(a) Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg (especially on one side of the body) (b) A droop on one side of face (c) Difficulty to raise an arm (d) Blurred or double vision, drowsiness, nausea or vomiting (e) Sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech (f) Sudden trouble walking, dizziness or loss of balance or coordination (g) Severe ‘thunder clap’ headache
Note down the time when symptoms started first.
If the Casualty is conscious, allow him or her to lie down on side with head elevated.
Do not give any medication, food or liquids. Even if the Casualty feels very sleepy, do not let him or her to go to sleep. Do not accept any suggestion from the Casualty that ambulance may be called after he/she wakes up from sleep.
If the Casualty is unconscious, check the breathing. If there are no signs of breathing, start CPR.