What is the first action to take when you suspect someone is having a heart attack?

When you suspect someone is having a heart attack, the first action to take is to call for help immediately. This step is crucial because timely medical attention can significantly impact the outcome for the person experiencing the heart attack.

Calling for help ensures that emergency responders are en route to provide advanced care, which may include medication, defibrillation, or surgical interventions that are necessary in cases of a heart attack. While other actions, such as administering aspirin, can also be beneficial once help is on the way, the priority must be to ensure that professional medical assistance is initiated as quickly as possible.

Starting CPR is vital if the person becomes unresponsive and shows no signs of breathing, but this is a subsequent action rather than the first. Encouraging someone to walk around is not advisable as it may exacerbate the situation or delay medical help. Therefore, alerting emergency services first is the most critical and immediate action one should take.