Heart Attacks usually present with symptoms of anxiety, shortness of breath, pain in the centre of chest radiating towards the neck or arms, occasionally vomiting or even pain in the upper abdomen. It may or may not be accompanied with sweating.

Do Not ignore the symptoms of heart attack and call for emergency help immediately. Meanwhile follow these guidelines :--

Keep the victim in position of maximum comfort, if he has difficulty in breathing do not force him to lie down.   Loosen his clothes and do not attempt to lift or carry him.   Keep him calm and reassure him that help is underway.   Do not give him anything to drink.

1) Next proceed to locate his carotid pulse. It can be felt on either side of the neck. Locate the Adam's apple and slide tips of your index and middle finger into the groove between the Adam's apple and muscles of the neck. The future course of management depends on :--
There is pulse but no breathing - - Proceed with Artificial respiration
There is no pulse and breathing has stopped - -   Proceed with Cardio pulmonary resuscitation.

Artificial Respiration

Step 1 Open the Airway :--
A. Wipe any foreign substances out of his mouth.
B. With one hand on forehead and the other under the chin, tilt head partially back.
C. Listen for breathing, watch chest, feel any exhaled air.

Step 2
A. Pinch the nostrils closed using your thumb and index finger.
B. Place your mouth over the victim's and give 2 full breaths, taking a gulp of air between the two.   Each ventilation should cause the victim's chest to rise and fall.   Remember to remove your mouth to allow the victim to exhale and you to take another breath.
C. Keep repeating this procedure giving one vigorous breath every 5 seconds. Until the victim starts to breathe spontaneously.
In infants and small children, do not pinch the nose closed but cover the nose and mouth with your mouth.   In case of infants, give one gentle puff of air once every 3 seconds and in children give every 4 seconds.
If you can not feel the pulse, it indicates that the heart has stopped. Immediately start the resuscitation. This involves both 1) Artificial respiration & 2) External chest compression.

Step 1 : It is of vital importance that your hands are positioned correctly in relation to the victim's heart.
1. The victim should lie stretched on his back on the ground or floor.
2. Kneel beside him and position his head to keep the chin up and the airway open.
3. To locate the correct position of the hands, place two fingers of your left hand on the tip of the lower end of victim's breast bone.   ( This area corresponds to the small "bump" over the base of the breast bone ).  
4. Keep the heel of your right hand above the two fingers.   The heel of your right hand now lies on the lower third of the breast bone.  
5. Place your left hand over the right hand and entwine the fingers for stability. Alternately, your left hand can grip the wrist of the right hand.
6. Your body should be positioned such that your shoulders are directly above your hands with the arms straight and elbows locked.

Step 2 : Start chest compressions. Push down with a smooth, firm thrust. The force should be enough to press down the lower 1/3 of breast bone by 4 to 5 cms. letting your back and body to do the work.
A. Then lift the weight and relax the pressure completely. Remember not to remove your hands from the victim's chest while you relax between the compressions.
B. Repeat this rhythmic compressions 15 times, then take 2 breaths. This rhythm of 15 press ---- 2 breaths ---- 15 press ---- 2 breaths ---- should be followed for 1 minute.
C. Check Carotid pulse for 5 seconds, if no pulse repeat the rhythm for 2 minutes ( continue checking for pulse every 2 minutes ).

If the pulse returns, but victim is not breathing, start artificial respiration.

During resuscitation sometimes the victim might vomit.   In such cases roll him on one side to clear the airway.

We suggest you print this out for reference if an emergency happens.

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