Question

Your coworker, a 58-year-old male, begins complaining of severe chest pain and shortness of breath. The man appears very anxious and is known to have a history of heart problems. As a trained first aid provider, the appropriate action in this case is to:

A) Perform CPR immediately
B) Administer aspirin
C) Apply an ice pack to the chest
D) Encourage deep breathing exercises
E) Call for emergency medical assistance

Answer 1

Immediately call for emergency medical assistance if a person with a history of heart problems is experiencing severe chest pain and shortness of breath, as these may be signs of a myocardial infarction.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a 58-year-old male coworker with a history of heart problems begins complaining of severe chest pain and shortness of breath, the appropriate action as a trained first aid provider would be to call for emergency medical assistance immediately. This set of symptoms could indicate a serious condition such as a myocardial infarction (heart attack), particularly considering his history with heart issues. While aspirin can be beneficial for those at risk of heart disease, it should not be administered without instruction from medical personnel. CPR should only be performed if the person is unresponsive and not breathing, and it is crucial to be properly trained to perform CPR to avoid causing further injury. Encouraging deep breathing or applying an ice pack are not appropriate actions for someone exhibiting signs of a potential heart attack.