EHAC Community Education:
Section 5: Recognize & Respond
Recognition and response is critical to save heart muscle. There are three stages (or types) of a heart attack and the bystander must take the correct action.
Type 1: The heart attack stops you dead in your tracks. This is called the CPR scene. Call 9-1-1, immediately begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and deploy an AED.
Remember – push hard, push fast.
Type 2: A heart attack and early damage is taking place. The patient is experiencing intense chest pressure. Call 9-1-1 to summon help. Keep the patient calm because they are usually weak and may be confused.
Type 3: The heart attack is just beginning and EHAC provides a beneficial impact. This is the most difficult time to get someone to seek medical care. The victim will complain, but then excuse it as food poisoning or gas. The patient has minimal symptoms but is practicing maximum deniability. The patient-to-first-responder interaction can be frustrating.