What First Aid Can Be Given For Chest Pain?

Fact Checked

Individuals experience chest pain for an array of reasons. Any chest pain that lingers for more than 15 minutes should be considered as severe.

A heart attack – or by the definition coronary thrombosis – is one of the most severe heart conditions. A heart attack takes place when one of the major blood vessels that run around the exterior of the heart to provide the heart muscle with blood is clogged-up. The ruthlessness of the attack depends on the position of the obstruction: a tiny blood vessel will cause chest pain and other signs, but the casualty should recuperate after medical action. Obstruction of a main blood vessel can lead to cardiac arrest and CPR will be necessary.

Causes of chest pain

Chest Pain
Chest Pain

An angina attack takes place where the casualty has narrowed blood vessels surrounding the heart. The pain of angina might happen during exercise or physical exertion, or when relaxing, when an inadequate blood supply results in chest pain and suffering. Most angina casualty’s take pills that will loosen up the muscular walls of the blood vessels, permitting more blood to stream through and alleviate the ache.

Angina might lead to a heart attack afterwards and the casualty should be treated for a potential heart attack if a dosage of their approved medication fails to alleviate the pain within 15 minutes.

Symptoms and signs

  • Shortness of breath
  • White or bluish skin
  • Dizziness or faint
  • Sweating
  • Queasiness
  • A feeling of great nervousness, weakness or exhaustion
  • Unexpected collapse

The chest pain might:

  • Emit up the neck and into the jawbone and teeth
  • Spread out into the shoulder or along one or both arms
  • Feel as if an overwhelming load is resting on the casualty’s chest

 

How you can help

  1. Assist the casualty to relax
  • Assist the conscious casualty to relax in the position of greatest relief, usually in a semi-sitting position.
  • If outside with no chair readily accessible, kneel behind the casualty to offer support while carrying out a preliminary assessment.

If the casualty is unconscious or not reacting, call for the paramedics. The casualty may need CPR.

  1. Gauge the casualty
  • Weigh up the casualty’s conscious condition every few minutes and be prepared to begin CPR.
  • Help the casualty to take any pills prescribed for chest pain.
  1. Try to keep the casualty composed
  • Try to keep the casualty still with stable encouragement because any anxiety or activity could cause difficulties or even collapse.
  • Release any tight clothes at the neck and waist to aid breathing.

Never move a casualty with chest pain in a vehicle. Added physical exertion could cause the heart to undergo more harm. Weakening of the casualty in a car is extremely tricky to manage.

 

Related Video on Chest Pains

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GkVYgf6E6k

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • All firstaidtrainers.ca content is reviewed by a medical professional and / sourced to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.

  • We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable websites, academic research institutions and medical articles.

  • If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please contact us through our contact us page.

The information posted on this page is for educational purposes only.
If you need medical advice or help with a diagnosis contact a medical professional