Do-This-Now Plan
If it’s a child under 16: don’t give aspirin — call 112 immediately.
1) First 5 minutes
Immediate steps
- 📱Call 112 and put the phone on speaker. Do not drive yourself unless there’s no alternative.
- 🪑Position: semi-sitting (slightly reclined) with knees bent. Loosen tight clothing. Keep calm and still.
- 💊Aspirin (if not allergic & no active bleeding): 300–325 mg plain aspirin to chew (or 4×81 mg). In India: Disprin 325. Avoid enteric-coated for chewing; if that’s all you have, swallow it.
- 🫦If prescribed nitroglycerin (GTN): 0.3–0.4 mg under the tongue (or 1 spray = 0.4 mg). Repeat every 5 min up to 3 doses if pain persists and not dizzy. Avoid if sildenafil/vardenafil within 24 h or tadalafil within 48 h.
2) If unresponsive / not breathing normally
Start CPR immediately
Center of chest • 100–120/min • ≥ 5 cm (2 in) • full recoil • use AED ASAP.
5) Simple home “heart kit”
Keep these ready
- 💊Plain aspirin 300–325 mg (non-enteric; e.g., Disprin 325).
- 🫦Your own prescribed GTN spray or 0.4 mg tabs (only if your doctor has advised).
- 📝A written list of medicines, allergies, and key numbers.
3) What NOT to do
Avoid these mistakes
- ⛔Don’t delay calling 112.
- 🚫No NSAIDs like ibuprofen/naproxen.
- 🙅No “cough CPR”.
- 🥤No food or drink; keep them still.
Special note
Children & teens (<16 years)
Do not give aspirin. Call 112 immediately.