Section 2: Crisis Management

Heart Attack

It is a common misconception that heart attacks only affect older, unhealthy individuals when in reality they can affect anyone of any age at any time.  A heart attack happens when the blood vessels around the heart become blocked, affecting circulation.  It is important to note, that not all heart attack victims become unconscious.

Commonly a casualty will complain of:

  • Gripping central chest pain
  • Pain radiating up and down the left arm into the jaw (not exclusively the left)
  • Feeling faint, sweaty and anxious
  • Breathlessness
 hsc - NSFA - heart attack