Myocardial Infarction – Treatment

If the persons signs and symptoms indicate a possible myocardial infarction, do the following:

• Call 999
• Ask if the person takes any medication for their condition, allow them to take it
• 300mg of Aspirin in dispersible tablet form can be chewed
• Ensure they are sat in a comfortable position. Sitting on the floor, leaning against a wall, sofa or person, with legs bent at the knee. This position is often referred to as the “W Position”.
• Loosen any tight clothing
• Keep the person calm

If you have not already done so the call handler will tell you to offer an Aspirin which has an anti-platetlet action and therefore can help reduce clot formation. Contraindications for Aspirin are:

• A known aspirin allergy or sensitivity
• They are a child under 16 years old
• They have active gastrointestinal bleeding
• Haemophilia or other known clotting disorders
• Severe hepatic disease

There are cautions for taking Aspirin but as the benefits of taking 300mg of Aspirin outweigh the risks, it may be given to people with:

• Asthma
• Pregnancy
• Kidney or liver failure
• Gastric or duodenal ulcer
• Current treatment with anticoagulants

If in doubt the call handler will advise.