Health Articles : First Aid
First Aid : First Aid For Heart Attacks
First Aid For Dog BitesDog bites sometimes it could be very serious. If the animal is suffering from rabies it is possibilities of being transmitted to ..... Heart attacks are among the leading cause of death in the World. A heart attack happens when one or more of the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart get blocked. When this occurs, cells in the heart start dying when they do not get blood for vital nourishment. If a large part of the heart is deprived of blood, the heart stops beating and the victim suffers Cardiac arrest. When a victim's heart stops beating, they require Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) which provides vital oxygen through rescue breathing and which maintains circulation through chest compressions. Proper training is needed to perform CPR, however any heart attack can lead to Cardiac Arrest and it is therefore vital for first aiders to recognize the early warning signs of a heart attack so the victim can receive prompt professional attention. A heart attack victim whose heart is still beating has a higher chance of survival than a victim whose heart has stopped. Most heart attack victims who die give in within 2 hours after having their heart attack.
Many of these victims could be saved if bystanders know the symptoms of a heart attack and get the victim to a hospital quickly. Indeed, many victims of heart attacks think they are experiencing Heartburn or other minor discomfort when in fact their life is in danger. The most significant sign of a heart attack is chest pain. The victim may describe it as pressure, a feeling of tightness in the chest, aching, crushing, fullness or tightness, constricting or heavy pain. The pain may be located in the center of the chest although it is not uncommon for the pain to radiate to one or both shoulders or arms or to the neck, jaw or back. Other than pain the victims may also experience sweating, nausea or shortness of breath. Many victims deny that they may be having a heart attack. Others worsen their condition by fear of dying. It is important for the rescuer to constantly reassure the victims of heart attacks and keep them as calm and relaxed as possible. The psychological value of reassurance is as important in first aid as any treatments.
First Aid for a Heart Attack:
1) One should be able to recognize the signs & symptoms of a heart attack
2) The rescuer should comfort & reassure the victim
Basic First AidLife is full of uncertainties. Accidents happen uninvited. Providing the right aid at the right time can save the victim. What is ..... 3) Make the victim stop whatever they were doing and sit or lie in a comfortable position
4) Call for emergency medical help quickly
5) If the victim becomes unconscious, one should be prepared to perform CPR
All of us can reduce the risk of heart attack by controlling high blood pressure, limiting cholesterol in the diet, watching weight, exercising, giving up smoking and minimizing stress.
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