Heart Attacks Toolbox Talk

Learn about heart attacks, how to identify the symptoms, and what to do in case of emergency.

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Heart Attacks Safety Talk

Did you know that according to the CDC, there are 735,000 Americans who suffer from heart attacks each year? In your lifetime, there is a good chance you will witness someone suffer a heart attack or you may have one yourself. Everyone needs to know the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. It is also just as important to know what to do if someone has a heart attack and you are a witness to it.

What is a Heart Attack

A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when the blood flowing to the heart is blocked. The interrupted blood flow can damage or destroy part of the heart muscle. Heart attacks can be fatal, but thankfully medicine and awareness can and have helped save lives.

Signs and Symptoms of a Heart Attack

While heart attacks are a very serious threat to the patient’s life, there is still a 90% chance of surviving provided they get the help that they need in time. Here are a few of the signs to look out for:

  • Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes – or it may go away and then return. The pain associated with a heart attack is often described as a burning or pinching sensation.
  • Radiating pain in one or both arms. People having a heart attack feel this kind of pain because they are experiencing decreased blood flow to the heart.
  • Neck and jaw pain. The pain is typically described as a tightness, pressure, or ache in the neck or jaw.
  • Shortness of breath. The pressure and not being able to take a full breath may seem like a lung problem like bronchitis, but it can be one of the first signs of heart problems.
  • Fatigue. This fatigue won't be associated with sleep deprivation or a mental health issue like depression; it will seemingly have no explanation.
  • Lightheadedness or sudden dizziness. As the heart struggles and fails to deliver oxygen, this adversely affects the brain. Without enough oxygen, a person will feel dizzy and light-headed or even faint.
  • Nausea, vomiting, or indigestion. Stomach pains, nausea, and indigestion have countless causes, but the likelihood of them indicating a heart attack rises if these symptoms are associated with shortness of breath, sweating, or dizziness.
  • Cold sweats. In the minutes before a heart attack, you may begin sweating excessively. It is generally described as cold sweats.

    • If you or someone you know are suffering from a heart attack, you should get help immediately. You should never ignore the signs of a heart attack or brush them off. Women and men both experience chest discomfort, but women are much more likely to experience other symptoms.

    What Should You Do if Someone Has a Heart Attack?

    The very first thing you should do is call 911! Emergency medical staff are trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. Patients with chest pain who arrive by ambulance usually receive faster treatment at the hospital, too.

    As long as you aren't allergic to aspirin, you should next chew and swallow an aspirin tablet. Aspirin helps by inhibiting platelets which can reduce a rapidly growing blood clot. It only takes a small dose of aspirin to help so large doses should be avoided.

    Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Heart Attacks

    You won’t need to do cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) unless the heart attack victim goes into cardiac arrest. This is when they are unconscious and have stopped breathing. If this happens, CPR will keep the blood circulating while you wait for the ambulance or for someone to get a defibrillator.

    Things Done To Be Prepared

    No one plans on having a heart attack. Being prepared can be the difference in life or death for someone experiencing a heart attack. These are some of the ways you can be prepared:

  • Know the warning signs and symptoms of a heart attack well.
  • Remember to call 911 within the first 5 minutes. Time is very important.
  • Talk about the warning signs with family, friends, and coworkers.
  • Arrange for someone to take care of your dependents if an emergency happens.
  • Create a heart attack survival card with information about your medications, allergies, doctor name, and phone number, as well as an emergency contact for you. Keep this in your wallet.

    • First Aid for a Heart Attack

    If you suspect a co-worker is having a heart attack you should:

  • Have them sit down, rest, and try to keep them calm.
  • Loosen any tight clothing they may have on.
  • Ask if they take any medications for a heart condition, such as nitroglycerin. If they do help them take it.
  • Call 911 for emergency help.
  • Administer CPR if they lose consciousness before paramedics arrive.

    • There are things you should not do as well including:

  • Do not leave them alone, except to phone for help.
  • Do not wait to see if the symptoms go away.
  • Do not allow the person to deny symptoms or talk you out of calling for help.
  • Do not give them anything by mouth unless it is their own prescribed heart medication.

    • Prevention of Heart Attacks

    There are several ways you can prevent heart attacks. Eating a healthy blend of fruits and vegetables, take low-dose aspirin daily, keep your blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes maintained if necessary, exercise regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight are a few of them. If you smoke, your chances of heart-related illnesses increase. You should also limit yourself on the consumption of alcohol, it can damage the heart if used excessively.

    Summary

    Take heart attack symptoms seriously. We know most of the people we work with pretty well. If something seems wrong, talk to the person or get a supervisor involved.

    It is important to know what your emergency response plan at your worksite is for a medical emergency like a heart attack. Knowing who to call, what the address of the worksite is, and who is CPR trained onsite can save the victim’s life.

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