What To Do If Someone is Having a Heart Attack

Heart attack

Life is unpredictable — and while many surprises are good, others can be frightening. The best defence is being prepared, especially when it comes to medical emergencies like heart attacks.

If someone shows symptoms or you suspect they may be experiencing a heart attack, never ignore it. Treat every symptom seriously and act quickly. In many cases, your actions in the first few minutes can be the difference between life and death.

To make the process easier to remember, here are 5 essential steps.

Key Takeaways

  • Act fast — every minute counts. Heart attacks are life-threatening emergencies.

  • Call 10177 immediately or your emergency medical provider. Never wait to see if symptoms improve.

  • Keep the person calm, seated upright, and comfortable while monitoring their condition.

  • Give one aspirin to chew if they are not allergic.

  • Administer nitroglycerin only if prescribed to the patient.

  • If the person collapses or stops breathing: start hands-only CPR at 100 compressions per minute until help arrives.

  • Having a plan — and emergency medical assistance — can save lives.

Call emergency

Step 1 – Call Emergency Services Immediately

This is the most important step.
Before doing anything else:

Call an ambulance: 10177 (South Africa)
Or call your emergency medical provider (ER24, Netcare 911, etc.)

Do not wait to see if symptoms improve — heart attack damage increases with every passing minute.

Why you should NOT drive the patient yourself

If you drive to the hospital:

  • You may face delays at reception
  • You lose access to paramedics who can provide life-saving treatment en route
  • A sudden collapse while you’re driving puts both of you in danger

Always request an emergency medical response instead.

Step 2 – Get the Patient Comfortable

Help the person:

  • Sit comfortably upright (not lying flat)
  • Loosen tight clothing, especially around the neck and chest
  • Keep them calm and reassure them
  • Stay beside them to monitor symptoms

Anxiety increases strain on the heart — calm reassurance is key.

Step 3 – Give Aspirin

If the person is not allergic to aspirin, give them one aspirin tablet (usually 150–300mg).

Instruct them to chew it slowly, not swallow whole — chewing helps it work faster.

Do not give aspirin if they:

  • Have an aspirin allergy
  • Have been advised by a doctor not to take aspirin
  • Are bleeding severely or coughing up blood

Step 4 – Give Nitroglycerin (Only If Prescribed)

If the person has been prescribed nitroglycerin for a heart condition and the medication is nearby:

  • Give them their usual dose
  • Do not give nitroglycerin if it is not their medication
  • Never use someone else’s prescription

Step 5 – Begin CPR (If Needed)

If the person:

  • Collapses
  • Stops breathing
  • Shows no signs of life
  • Becomes unresponsive

Start hands-only CPR immediately.

Hands-Only CPR Guidelines

  • Push hard and fast in the centre of the chest
  • Aim for 100–120 compressions per minute
  • Do not stop unless a healthcare professional tells you to, or emergency responders take over
  • Stay on the line with the emergency operator — they will guide you through the process

Chest compressions

Be Prepared

These 5 steps are quick to remember, but in a real emergency, panic can make thinking difficult.
That’s why preparation matters.

Why preparation saves lives:

  • It cuts down response time
  • It reduces confusion in the moment
  • It keeps the patient calmer
  • It ensures you take the right steps, in the right order

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