If you suspect a passenger is having a heart attack, which action should you take?

When a passenger is suspected of having a heart attack, the appropriate response is to call for help and provide comfort to the passenger. This is critical for several reasons. First, a heart attack can lead to serious complications, and immediate medical assistance is essential for the passenger’s safety and health. Calling for help ensures that trained medical professionals are on the way to provide the necessary care.

In addition, providing comfort to the passenger can help alleviate anxiety and stress, which is important since panic can exacerbate the situation. Reassuring the passenger can help keep their heart rate from escalating and can also facilitate communication about their symptoms and condition until help arrives.

Actions such as giving them something to eat or encouraging continued activity may worsen the situation. Eating can strain the heart further when it’s already compromised, and encouraging activity can cause additional physical stress, which is dangerous in cases of heart attack. Leaving the passenger alone to rest may also decrease the chance of getting timely medical assistance and support during a critical moment. Thus, ensuring that help is called for while comforting the individual is the most responsible and beneficial course of action.