What is the first step you should take if you suspect a person is having a heart attack?

When you suspect someone is having a heart attack, the first step is to call for emergency help immediately. This is crucial because a heart attack can rapidly become life-threatening, and prompt medical intervention can significantly increase the chances of survival and reduce the extent of heart damage. Emergency responders can provide advanced care and transport the individual to a medical facility where they can receive necessary treatments such as medications or procedures to restore blood flow to the heart.

Taking immediate action by calling for help ensures that professional assistance arrives as quickly as possible, which is vital because time is of the essence in managing a heart attack. Recognizing the urgency of the situation and initiating emergency response sets the stage for additional supportive measures, which may include monitoring the person's condition or administering CPR if they lose consciousness and stop breathing, but these actions should follow the immediate call for help.