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?