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

Angina affects around two million people in the UK. How people react to work related stress is a key factor in increasing a person’s risk of an angina attack. Certain workplace conditions and pressures can play a significant role in increasing a person’s risk of experiencing an angina attack. This workplace guidance article features the definition of an angina attack, the common workplace situations where an angina attack may occur and the first aid steps you can take to help someone who is having an angina attack in your workplace.

How our training prepares first aiders to help someone having angina attack in the workplace

Our course learners will discover what angina 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 an angina attack. Course learners will be encouraged to recognise the urgency of a potential angina 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 practical scenarios, the learners practice how to react in the case of a suspected angina attack and how to put the casualty in a safe seated position.

What happens when someone is having an angina attack?

A person experiencing an angina attack may have dull, heavy or vice-like central chest pain which may spread to the jaw and down one or both arms. They could be feeling anxious, experiencing shortness of breath and sudden extreme tiredness. These symptoms are like those of a heart attack and if the person does not have a previous history of angina, it should be prioritised as a heart attack.

In what workplace situations or environments are people likely to have an angina attack?

Angina attacks can be brought on by exercise, stress, emotion or cold temperatures – although sometimes there's no obvious trigger.

What to do if someone is having an angina attack in the workplace:

1. 1. Sit the person down in a comfortable position.
   2. Ask them if they have any angina medication, like a spray or tablets. If they do, let the person take it themselves but help them if needed.
      If the pain is still there five minutes after taking the medication, suggest they take a second dose.
   3. If they are still in pain after another five minutes, or the pain returns, suspect it’s a heart attack and call 999.
   4. If the pain subsides within 15 minutes after they’ve rested or taken medication, they should usually be able to go back to what they were doing.
   5. If the person does not have a history of angina or they do not have medication for it, suspect it's a heart attack and call 999.

How can you be prepared for someone who is having an angina attack in the workplace?

Employers should ensure that their team can identify the signs and symptoms of an angina attack and provide the appropriate assistance. Since the signs of a heart attack and an angina attack are often very similar, a well-trained first aider will be able to use a secondary survey to gather information about the person's medical history. This skill helps them to make the right decision and ensure the individual receives the proper care without delay.

The British Red Cross Training First Aid at Work and First Aid at Work Requalification courses feature training on how to help someone who is having an angina attack.