An elderly victim is experiencing shortness of breath, chest pain and sweating. As you are assessing the victim he grabs his chest and loses consciousness. The victim is likely suffering from a
You should and
stroke; call EMS and begin CPR
heart attack; call EMS and begin CPR
stroke; stabilize the victim and call EMS
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer:
Heart attack; call EMS and begin CPR
Explanation
The symptoms described—shortness of breath, chest pain, sweating, and eventual loss of consciousness—strongly suggest that the elderly victim is likely suffering from a heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction. A heart attack occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked, typically due to a clot in the coronary arteries. This deprives the heart muscle of oxygen and can cause the tissue to die if not treated quickly.
In the early stages, common symptoms of a heart attack include:
- Chest pain or discomfort (often described as pressure or squeezing)
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweat
- Nausea or lightheadedness
- Pain that may radiate to the arms, jaw, neck, or back
When the victim suddenly loses consciousness after grabbing their chest, it likely means the heart has stopped effectively pumping blood—a condition known as cardiac arrest, which can result from a severe heart attack. Once this occurs, the brain and other vital organs are no longer receiving oxygen, and death can occur within minutes if no action is taken.
Immediate steps to take:
- Call Emergency Medical Services (EMS): This ensures that professional help is on the way.
- Begin Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): If the person is unconscious, unresponsive, and not breathing normally, start CPR immediately. This helps maintain blood flow to vital organs until EMS arrives.
- Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) if available and trained to do so.
It’s important not to confuse a heart attack with a stroke, which involves a blockage or rupture of blood vessels in the brain. Stroke symptoms usually include facial drooping, arm weakness, and speech difficulty, but not chest pain or cardiac arrest.
In summary, based on the signs and symptoms, the correct response is:
Heart attack; call EMS and begin CPR.
