GuardAssist
GuardAssist
UK Operational Guidance
999
Emergency First Aid
All emergency guides
Emergency

Heart Attack

critical

Central crushing chest pain, sweating, nausea. Sit them down, call 999, give aspirin.

Call 999 where appropriate

Symptoms

  • Central chest pain — pressure, tightness or heaviness
  • Pain radiating to jaw, arm, back
  • Sweating, nausea, breathlessness, pale/grey
  • May be subtle in women, elderly, diabetics

Actions

  • Sit casualty down — 'W' position (knees bent, back supported).
  • Dial 999 — say 'suspected heart attack'.
  • Loosen tight clothing.
  • If not allergic and available: 300 mg aspirin, chewed slowly.
  • Reassure. Monitor breathing. Prepare for CPR / AED.

What NOT to do

  • Don't let them walk
  • Don't give food or drink other than aspirin

GuardAssist provides operational decision support. It does not replace formal training, employer procedures, assignment instructions or professional judgement. In a life-threatening emergency, dial 999.