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.
