If someone is having a heart attack, take the following steps immediately:

• Call emergency services (911 or local emergency number) right away. Do not delay calling for help

• Help the person to sit down and rest, keeping them calm. Sitting on the floor with knees bent and leaning against a chair or wall can ease strain on the heart and reduce injury risk if they collapse

• Loosen any tight clothing to help them breathe more easily

• Ask if they have prescribed chest pain medication (such as nitroglycerin) and assist them in taking it if available and appropriate

• If the person is conscious and not allergic, have them chew and swallow an aspirin (usually 300 mg or one adult dose). This can help reduce heart damage. Only do this after calling emergency services and if advised by a professional

• If the person becomes unconscious, unresponsive, or stops breathing, start CPR immediately. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. If trained, provide rescue breaths as well. Continue until emergency responders arrive or the person recovers

• If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available, use it as soon as possible on an unresponsive person without a pulse, following the device instructions

• Do not drive the person to the hospital yourself unless absolutely necessary; wait for emergency medical services

These steps can significantly improve the chances of survival and reduce heart damage during a heart attack. Calling emergency services first is critical to getting timely professional care