A heart attack occurs due to a blockage in an artery that supplies blood to the heart. When one recognizes the symptoms of someone having a heart attack, the first thing they must do is call for help. It is best to call 911 immediately so that they can provide medical attention at the earliest. Meanwhile, during the wait, as an observer to the situation, one needs to take quick action. They must be ready to give first aid to the victim. It is not a good idea to wait for the symptoms of the heart attack to subside. One can follow these simple steps to provide assistance:

• Make the affected individual stop any activity that they are currently doing.
• Help them get into a comfortable position. Make sure that they are calm as anxiety can worsen the symptoms of a heart attack.
• Keep their airways clear to ensure that their breathing is unrestricted and comfortable.
• Stay close. Do not leave the patient alone until the paramedics arrive.
• Unfasten any tight belts, ties, or any other pieces of clothing that are tight and restrict their breathing.
• If they become unconscious and are not breathing, try performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to keep their blood flowing until help arrives.
• If one is not trained to do CPR, then they should perform chest compressions. It must be done at a frequency of about 100 to 120 compressions a minute, with one hand placed over the other in the center of their chest.
• If the patient is conscious, then give them the usual medications they might be taking for chest pain, like nitroglycerin. Medications that dilate the blood vessels enabling easier blood flow. Do not handle these tablets with bare hands.
• Let them chew on aspirin as and when recommended by the doctor or emergency care professional, and in the prescribed dosage to provide temporary relief. Aspirin brings down the risk of blood clots, but make sure that they are not allergic to aspirin. People who have bleeding disorders, or are taking blood thinners for other medical conditions should also avoid aspirin.
• If an automatic external defibrillator (AED) is available nearby, one can use it to give an electric shock to the heart to restore it to a regular rhythm.
• Do not feed them any solid or liquids at this point in time.
• Inform their friends or family members about their physical condition. Let them take charge of the subsequent treatment plan.

Following these simple but effective first aid techniques before the emergency medical services team arrives can help save a person’s life. Every minute after a heart attack is important, and the sooner the treatment starts, the better are the chances of recovery. One can consider taking up a training course in CPR or basic first aid so that they’re capable of helping people who face a heart attack.