What action should you take if you suspect someone is having a heart attack?

The most appropriate action to take if you suspect someone is having a heart attack is to call 911 and keep the person calm and seated until help arrives. This response is crucial because swift medical attention is necessary during a heart attack, as time is a critical factor in reducing the risk of severe damage to the heart muscle and increasing the chances of survival. By calling emergency services promptly, you ensure that professional help is on the way while you can focus on monitoring the individual’s condition.

Keeping the person calm and seated is also important. Stress and movement can exacerbate their condition. Remaining calm helps to reduce anxiety and may limit strain on the heart. It is essential to assess the situation continually and provide reassurance, as this can make the person feel safer and more stable.

While administering aspirin can be beneficial if the person is conscious and not allergic, it should not delay the call for emergency assistance. Drinking water is not advised, as it may lead to choking or does not address the immediate medical needs. Similarly, performing CPR is not indicated unless the person becomes unresponsive and is not breathing, at which point CPR would be necessary to save their life. However, until that occurs, calling for emergency help and ensuring the individual remains calm is the priority.