If you think someone near you is having a heart attack, call 911 immediately. Do not wait to see if the symptoms pass, do not try to drive them to the hospital yourself, and do not search online for more information before calling. Every minute without treatment can allow more damage to the heart muscle. While you wait for emergency responders, keep the person calm, help them sit or lie down in a comfortable position, and stay on the line with the 911 dispatcher, who can walk you through exactly what to do next.
The steps below explain, in order, what to do if someone has a heart attack, how to recognize the warning signs, and what to do if the person becomes unresponsive.
