Health Tip: If Someone Is Having a Heart Attack

(HealthDay News) -- If you see someone who appears to be having a heart attack -- with classic symptoms such as chest pain and nausea -- it''s important to act quickly. You must call 911 immediately.

While waiting for paramedics to arrive, here are some tips on how to help the patient, courtesy of the Provena St. Joseph Medical Center:

• Do not wait to call for help, as the heart can be damaged if treatment is delayed.
• Try to keep the person calm, and have them sit or lie down.
• Do not try to drive the person to the hospital yourself -- wait for help to arrive.
• Have him chew and swallow a non-coated aspirin -- don''t have him swallow it whole as it will not work as quickly.
• If he stops breathing, you or someone else who is qualified should perform CPR immediately. If you are unfamiliar with CPR, the trained 911 operator can assist you until help arrives.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: Oct. 20, 2006

Copyright © 2006 ScoutNews LLC. All rights reserved.