Heart Attack / Chest Pain
Chest discomfort with sweating, breathlessness or pain spreading. Call 112.
criticalHIGH-CONFIDENCE GUIDANCEReviewed 2026-08-18
Read aloud
RECOGNIZE
- Pressure, tightness, squeezing or discomfort in the centre of the chest.
- Pain or discomfort spreading to one or both arms, the jaw, neck, back or upper abdomen.
- Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort.
- Cold sweat, nausea or vomiting, lightheadedness.
- Symptoms vary between people. Women, older adults and people with diabetes may have less typical symptoms.
CALL
- Call 112 as soon as a heart attack is suspected. Do not wait to see if it passes.
- Call even if the person insists it is 'just gas' or 'acidity'.
DO NOW
- 1CALL 112 NOWSay clearly: suspected heart attack, chest pain.
- 2STOP ALL ACTIVITYSit or half-sit the person down and keep them completely at rest.
- 3LOOSEN TIGHT CLOTHINGOpen collar and belt so breathing is easier. Keep them calm.
- 4ASK ABOUT PRESCRIBED MEDICINEIf a doctor has already prescribed them medicine for chest pain, help them take their own prescribed medicine as directed.
- 5ASK THE DISPATCHER ABOUT ASPIRINAsk the 112 dispatcher or a health professional whether aspirin is appropriate for this person.
- 6WATCH THEIR BREATHINGIf they become unresponsive and are not breathing normally, start CPR.
DO NOT DO
- DO NOT let them drive themselves to hospital.
- DO NOT let them walk, climb stairs or carry anything.
- DO NOT give aspirin on your own if the person is allergic to it, has been told by a clinician not to take it, or you are unsure — ask the dispatcher.
- DO NOT assume aspirin treats the pain itself; it does not replace emergency care.
- DO NOT give food or drink.
- DO NOT wait for the pain to 'settle' before calling 112.
WHILE WAITING FOR HELP
- Stay with the person and keep them sitting and calm.
- Note the exact time the symptoms started.
- Collect their medicines and prescriptions for the ambulance crew.
- Unlock the door and clear the route to the person.
WHEN TO ESCALATE
- Collapse, no response, no normal breathing → go to the Cardiac Arrest flow and start CPR.
- Severe breathlessness, blue lips or fainting → tell 112 immediately that the person is deteriorating.
AFTERCARE
- Every suspected heart attack needs hospital evaluation, even if symptoms ease.
- Take the person's medicine list and any ECG or discharge papers to hospital.
MEDICAL SOURCES
American Heart Association
Guidelines for CPR and ECC — Basic Life Support / First Aid
Published / updated 2020 · Evidence reviewed for this app on 2026-08-18
Open sourceAmerican Red Cross
Focused Updates and Guidelines for First Aid
Published / updated 2024 · Evidence reviewed for this app on 2026-08-18
Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India
Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) — 112 pan-India emergency number
Published / updated 2019 · Evidence reviewed for this app on 2026-08-18
Open source
This content is educational first-aid guidance and does not replace emergency medical care. Guidelines can change. Verify clinical guidance periodically.