CHEST PAIN

WHAT CAUSES CHEST PAIN?  Caffeine  Heartburn  Panic attacks  Angina  Lung problems  Heart attacks How do you know??

WHAT IS A HEART ATTACK?

 Sudden obstruction of blood supply to part of heart muscle  Heart might stop beating (cardiac arrest).

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS  What are they??

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS  [Take from first aid manual]  NOTE – atypical in diabetics and women

M.I. SIGNS & SYMPTOMS - ADVANCED  Dizziness  Faint  Nausea  Vomitting  Ruptations  Agitation  Confusion  Impending doom Pale, cool skin (ashen?) Clammy skin / sweeating Cyanosis? Rapid pulse Weak pulse Irregular pulse? S.O.B Air hunger Rapid RR Chest pain? Chest tightness Indigestion Pins & needles Weakness / fatigue Cramps

CHEST PAIN ISN’T ALWAYS HEART ATTACK  Could be ANGINA

ANGINA  Constriction of chest – narrowed arteries  Brought on by exercise  Pain  Shortness of breath, weakness, anxiety…  Pain eases with rest (usually 3-5 mins)  If pain doesn’t ease, 999

HEART ATTACK - TREATMENT  Comfortable position (demonstrate)  999 !  GTN spray  Aspirin (300mg)  Take pulse rate & respiration rate  Keep em calm

PULSE  Normal = 60 – 80 beats per minute (if relatively fit)

WHAT IF THEY GO UNCONCIOUS?

 Primary survey (DRS A,B)  Breathing? Recovery position  Not breathing? CPR and Defib!