This week, viewers will witness Corrie’s Audrey Roberts suffer a heart attack on screen. Unfortunately, this shocking storyline is one that plays out for many families each year.
Clive James, Training and Development Manager at St John Ambulance said: ‘Witnessing a family member, friend or stranger have a heart attack can be a terrifying experience, but there are things you can do to help. By learning basic first aid, anyone can be the difference between life and death.’
First aid advice for heart attacks:
Sit them down
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Make the person as comfortable as possible – a half sitting position with their knees bent and head and shoulders supported is best.
Call for help
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Call for help, either call 999 or 112 for emergency help and tell ambulance control you suspect a heart attack.
Aspirin
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Try and find some aspirin (300mg) and if the person isn’t allergic to it and they are over the age of 16, tell them to chew it slowly. Monitor and reassure them while help arrives.
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Be prepared to resuscitate.
Visit www.sja.org.uk or download St John Ambulance’s free First Aid app for your iPhone for more advice.