CHEST PAIN / ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME

 

CHEST PAIN: caused by a sudden partial or complete blockage of one of the coronary arteries that supply the heart muscle. May develop to a heart attack, therefore “every second counts”! (ARC 2016)

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Common symptoms of chest pain include: pain/discomfort (‘crushing’ or ‘heavy’), pale skin, shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, sweating, dizziness, lethargy, headache, radiating pain (into jaw/arm/back).

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Treatment:

1. Rest and reassure patient; stop all activity

2. Pre-empt onset of shock- treat for environment

3. Assist patient with prescribed medication (eg: GTN, anginine), if

   available

4. Give Aspirin (300mg, once only) if available and authorised to do so

5. Administer oxygen if available and authorised to do so

6. If practical, locate the closest AED and bring it to the patient

7. ​

Evacuation: Consider: Any patient complaining of cardiac chest pain Rapid: If patient has no medication, has never experienced chest pain before or symptoms last more than 10 mins

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