Heart attack in the workplace: How first aiders are trained to respond

Research by the British Heart Foundation found that there are around 100,000 UK hospital admissions each year due to heart attacks. How people react to work related stress is a key factor in increasing a person’s risk of a heart attack.

This workplace guidance article features the definition of heart attack, the common workplace situations where heart attacks may occur and the first aid steps you can take to help someone who is having a heart attack in your workplace.

How our first aid training prepares first aiders to help someone with having a heart attack in the workplace

Our course learners will discover what heart attacks are and what happens when someone is experiencing one. They will also learn the steps they can take to help when someone is having a heart attack. Course learners will be encouraged to recognise the urgency of a potential heart attack. The trainer may facilitate a discussion around the variety of signs and symptoms that may occur and dispel any myths.

The course learners will get to understand the crucial differences between a heart attack, an angina attack and a cardiac arrest. Using a practical scenario, the learners may practice how to react in the case of a suspected heart attack and how to put the casualty in a safe seated position, monitoring their vital signs as they wait for the ambulance.

What happens when someone is having a heart attack?

A heart attack happens when the blood supply to the heart muscle is suddenly blocked. The blockage means the heart can’t work effectively, so a heart attack can be fatal. Heart attacks can range hugely in the way they present, from mild symptoms that could be confused with having indigestion to excruciating chest pain, or very severe symptoms where the person can collapse quite suddenly.

In what workplace situations or environments may heart attacks occur?

Heart attacks can affect anyone, of any age, but those who smoke, don't exercise, have a poor diet, or family history of heart disease are at more risk.

People with certain job occupations are at a higher risk of experiencing a heart attack, including:

• lorry drivers
• managers
• caretakers
• supervisors
• firefighters.

There are some factors in a workplace that can also contribute to the risk of someone having a heart attack including:

• long working hours
• highly demanding job
• workplace stress.

What to do if someone has a heart attack in the workplace

If someone is having a heart attack, they may have persistent, dull, vice-like chest pain which may spread to the jaw and down one or both arms, or into the back. They may be breathless, feeling unwell and sweating. Their pulse may be rapid, weak or irregular. They could be experiencing discomfort high in their tummy, which feels like indigestion. They may be anxious or feeling a “sense of impending doom”. These symptoms do not ease when they rest.

1. The person may have dull, heavy, central chest pain that may spread to the jaw and down one or both arms.
2. Call 999 straight away.
3. Help them to rest by sitting on the floor and reassure them while waiting for the ambulance to arrive.
4. If it complies with your company policy, give the person a 300mg dose of aspirin and tell them to chew it slowly. If they have a history of angina, they may have their own medication to use.

How can you be prepared for someone having a heart attack in the workplace?

Being prepared for a heart attack in the workplace is crucial, as quick action can significantly improve a person's chances of survival. It’s important that people in your workplace can recognise the signs and know how to help someone who is having a heart attack.

The British Red Cross Training 3-day First Aid at Work course and 2-day First Aid at Work Requalification course feature training on how to help someone who is having a heart attack.