TLDR: If someone appears to be having a heart-related episode, every minute counts: call emergency services immediately, help the person lie down, and be ready to begin CPR if they lose consciousness and stop breathing.
A heart problem doesn't always look like a dramatic heart attack
We tend to think of a heart attack as a sudden, excruciating pain that doubles a person over. The reality is more subtle. A tightness in the chest, pain radiating to the left arm, jaw, or back, unusual shortness of breath, cold sweats, sudden paleness, or a feeling of unease accompanied by nausea can be signs of a heart problem. In women and people with diabetes, the signs are often more subtle, without clear chest pain. When in doubt, treat the symptoms as serious.
The first instinct is to alert others, not to wait for it to pass
Many delays in seeking medical care stem from the belief that «it will go away on its own.» However, if you notice any warning signs, you should call emergency services immediately. In Algeria, call Civil Protection at 14, SAMU at 115, or a trusted emergency medical service. Clearly describe the symptoms, when they began, and the person’s level of consciousness. Staying on the line and following the dispatcher’s instructions saves precious time.
While waiting for help to arrive, we move the person to safety
If the person is conscious, help them rest in a sitting or semi-sitting position; do not have them walk or climb stairs. Loosen their clothing, reassure them, and avoid any physical exertion. Do not give them anything to eat or drink, and do not have them take any medication on your own initiative, unless directed by a doctor. Stay with them to monitor their breathing and level of consciousness, which can deteriorate rapidly.
If the person loses consciousness and stops breathing, take action
When a person collapses, is unresponsive, and is no longer breathing normally, it is likely a cardiac arrest. You must immediately begin chest compressions: press firmly and steadily on the center of the chest at a steady rhythm until emergency help arrives. If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available nearby, use it by following its voice prompts. These simple steps, when started early, greatly increase the chances of survival.
Mistakes That Cost You Precious Minutes
Driving the person to the hospital yourself instead of calling emergency services, waiting for the pain to go away, giving them something to drink, or letting them exert themselves are all common mistakes. Medical transport allows care to begin en route and ensures the patient is directed to the right department. It’s better to call for help «for nothing» than to have a heart attack treated too late.
Planning Ahead and Getting Support at Home
After feeling unwell, it’s important to get checked out, even if everything seems to be back to normal. MaghAssist provides services in Algiers and throughout Algeria, home medical emergency and the follow-up care that goes along with it, in coordination with your cardiologist. For a procedure or advice, the team responds via WhatsApp at +213 550 45 33 99.
To better distinguish between these situations, you can read how Recognizing a heart attack, compare Heart Attack Symptoms in Men and Women, and to know What to Do in the Event of a Medical Emergency at Home in Algiers.
Frequently asked questions
How can you tell if you're feeling unwell because of a heart problem?
It is impossible to be certain without an examination. Chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, or pain radiating to the arm or jaw should raise suspicion of a cardiac cause and prompt a call to emergency services.
Should you give aspirin when someone feels unwell?
Only as directed by a doctor or the emergency dispatcher. Never administer medication on your own initiative, especially if the person is drowsy or unconscious.
What number should I call in Algeria?
Call Civil Protection at 14 and the SAMU at 115. You can also contact a home medical emergency service for a rapid response and appropriate guidance.
When should you start chest compressions?
As soon as a person is unconscious and is no longer breathing normally, firmly compress the center of the chest without stopping until emergency help arrives or a defibrillator is used.
Sources
- World Health Organization (WHO), «Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs).».
- Health Insurance (ameli.fr), «Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Progression.».
General information; not a substitute for medical advice.
