Chest pain. What to do.
This is an easy read page. It has big words and short sentences.
Chest pain can be a heart attack
A heart attack is when blood cannot get to your heart. It is very serious. You need help fast.
What does a heart attack feel like?
Your chest feels tight. Or heavy. Or like something is pressing on it.
The pain can go into your arm. Or your neck. Or your jaw. Or your back.
You may find it hard to breathe.
You may feel sweaty. Or sick. Or dizzy.
The pain does not go away after a few minutes.
What to do
Call 999. Say "I think I am having a heart attack." It is free. Do it straight away.
Sit down. Sit on the floor. Lean against a wall. Stay still.
If you have aspirin near you, chew one. Only if a doctor has not told you not to. Do not get up to find it.
Unlock your door. So the ambulance people can get in.
Do not drive. Wait for the ambulance.
Not sure?
It is OK to call 999 if you are not sure. Nobody will be cross. It is better to check.
If someone falls down and is not breathing
Call 999. Put the phone on speaker. They will tell you what to do.
Push hard on the middle of their chest. Push fast. Two pushes every second. Do not stop.
If someone brings a defibrillator, turn it on. It talks to you. Do what it says.
Show someone this page
If you cannot call 999, show this page to someone near you. Point at the red button.
More help
Go to the main page. It has more information.
Print a poster to put on your fridge.