The symptoms of indigestion/heartburn are very similar to those associated with heart problems such as angina and 'minor' heart attacks. Even Drs can get it wrong. My eldest brother was being treated for heartburn when he was actually suffering from CAD/angina and subsequently died of a heart attack. My brothers 'history' ultimately probably saved me from the same fate.

It is also possible to have had a heart attack and not really know that you have.

ECG doesn't always identify all 'heart problems' and generally the 'test' for heart attacks is a blood test to look for heart 'repairing' enzymes.

Keep smiling and no more pork scratchings for you!

Oh Dear what a can of worms I released with my OP. No way was I criticising anyone, particularly first aiders.

I was in a meeting and couldn't concentrate seeing as I had had a pain in the middle of my chest all morning and suddenly came over all sweaty and had to take off my jumper and open a window. My colleague then asked me a few simple questions e.g. do you have any aches and pains in certain places (down the left side, the back and the neck) all additional signs besides the profuse sweating, of things possibly not quite right with the old ticker. I answered that the aches and pains were spreading so she called an ambulance. I actually spoke to the emergency services myself and gave them my symptoms over the phone. The ECG in the ambulance confirmed I had had a heart attack.

I have been on many FA courses and do not remember anything specific being said about heart attacks symptoms hence my original comment. The only thing I remember being taught is if a casualty's heart stops beating (for whatever reason) and then to carry out CPR.

Rich

Flowers, chocolates and an almighty great hug were given on my first day back at work.

Rich

Just to add some clarity and to provide some helpful advice... I hope :)

Some confusion here between -'heart attack' and cardiac arrest.
It can get even more confusing as the symptoms may be angina and not a heart attack.

heart attack - narrowing of the arteries into the heart, can be to a variety of levels -

First aid, 999 - sit in 'W' position and calm and reassure casualty - can include giving aspirin (see current HSE advice)

cardiac arrest - the heart stops pumping blood - immediately life threatening

First aid -requires immediate 999 and CPR.

angina - narrowing of heart vessels, patient will have diagnosis and medication - if not treat as above,

if they carry medication encourage them to take it, if symptoms don't get better with GTN spray - 999

<B>If in doubt - call 999</B>


A source to help clarify the above - http://www.bhf.org.uk/he...itions/heart-attack.aspx

and never forget if the casualty stops breathing - trained first aiders will know what to do, everyone else think staying alive:


I get asked all the time - isn't it best to walk on by in case I get sued, it makes me sad every-time, So well done to that first aider! They made a difference!

AT the original poster - just out of interest did you do a one day or three day first course? this could explain the difference in knowledge, first aid is just that, first aid and a one day course is always going to limited on detail.

Glad you are OK and back on your feet!

Oh and why oh why is this stuff not taught in schools?

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thank you,

IOSH Moderating Team

I'm a first aider and even i didnt recognise my own heart attack when i was having it 7 years ago.

Hi Stephie

The latest FA training is not to give any medication unless the person confirms that they are already prescribed something. Aspririn etc may have been allowable in the past, however, it no longer is....

Rich - nice post and congrats on making nine weeks. Have a fab, fun-filled festive hol :-)

Pete

Must be a different rule for ambulance staff and paramedics as Kate says. I was given 4 aspirin tablets immediately, then 4 more following the ECG in the ambulance, and 4 more in the operating theatre before the start of the operation. All within 45 minutes and I was never asked if I was allergic or anything.

Seasons greetings to all

Rich

It's not that it's a different rule for paramedics. First aiders at work are still advised to give aspirin for heart attack, although not to offer medication in any other circumstances (they may of course help an ill person to take their own prescription medication).