What actions are prioritized for a passenger with suspected heart attack?

• A. Call EMS, have the person rest, monitor breathing and consciousness, and provide oxygen if trained and allowed by policy.
• B. Give the person water and a sugar snack.
• C. Have the person stand and walk around to relieve stress.
• D. Ignore symptoms if they are mild.

Answer: (A)

When someone may be having a heart attack, the priority is to get professional help quickly while minimizing any extra strain on the heart and watching for changes in their condition. Calling emergency services ensures rapid access to advanced care and transport to a hospital. Having the person rest reduces the heart’s workload and helps prevent worsening symptoms. Monitoring breathing and level of consciousness keeps you alerted to any deterioration, such as trouble breathing, confusion, or fainting, so you can act promptly. Providing oxygen is appropriate if you’re trained and your policy allows it, because it can help if the person is hypoxic or under distress, but it should be used within those guidelines.

Water or a sugar snack won’t treat a heart attack and can delay proper care. Asking the person to stand or walk around increases heart workload and can worsen the situation. Ignoring symptoms, especially when they’re suspicious for a heart attack, can be life-threatening.