What should you do first when you suspect someone is having a heart attack?

When someone is suspected of having a heart attack, the first critical step is to call for help immediately. This step is crucial because a heart attack can lead to severe complications, including cardiac arrest. The sooner emergency medical services (EMS) are activated, the quicker medical professionals can arrive to provide advanced care.

In the critical moments of a potential heart attack, early intervention can save a life. By calling for help, you ensure that the affected individual receives the right treatment, such as medications to dissolve blood clots or procedures to restore blood flow to the heart.

While administering CPR is important and necessary if the person becomes unresponsive or stops breathing, that step follows the activation of EMS. Providing water or encouraging someone to walk around can be dangerous and inappropriate actions during a heart attack, as they may exacerbate the situation rather than stabilize the individual. Thus, recognizing the urgency and priority of getting professional medical assistance is vital in the management of a suspected heart attack.