Australian quick reference
Chest pain and suspected heart attack
What to do if someone has chest pain or signs that may indicate a heart attack.
The short answer
Call 000 for concerning chest pain or warning signs, sit the person comfortably and keep them still. For non-traumatic adult chest pain, chew 300 mg aspirin only within the safe allergy and medical boundary.
Treat it as time-critical
Could this be a heart attack?
Stop, sit comfortably and call Triple Zero (000) for concerning chest pain or other warning signs. The ambulance call-taker will guide the next step.
| What you find | Do next |
|---|---|
| Warning signs | Call 000 for chest pressure, tightness or pain, pain in the arm, shoulder, back, neck or jaw, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness, unusual fatigue or collapse. Symptoms may be mild or unusual. |
| While waiting | Stop activity, sit the person comfortably, keep them still and reassure them. Stay with them, unlock the door if useful and follow the call-taker. |
| Adult with non-traumatic chest pain | If they can safely swallow and are not allergic to aspirin or told not to take it, chew 300 mg aspirin unless the call-taker or doctor advises otherwise. Use prescribed angina medicine only as directed. |
| Becomes unresponsive or not breathing normally | Call 000 or stay on the line, start CPR and ask for an AED. Follow the emergency instructions rather than giving food, drink or more medication. |
Four things to remember
See the next decision
These visual cues are a memory aid. In a real emergency, call Triple Zero (000) and follow the call-taker's instructions.
Call 000 and ask for an ambulance.
Pressure, tightness, heaviness or pain may spread to an arm, shoulder, jaw, back or neck.
Do not drive the person yourself when an ambulance is available.
Chest pressure, pain spreading to the arm, jaw, back or neck, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness, collapse or symptoms lasting 10 minutes requires 000.
Illustrated field notes
See the situation, then choose the next safe action
These original illustrations support recall. They are not a substitute for the written steps, a current first-aid course or the Triple Zero (000) call-taker.
Visual memory cue
See the pattern before you practise
Use this simple visual reminder alongside the written steps. In a real emergency, call Triple Zero (000) and follow the call-taker's instructions.
- 01Stop and sitRest comfortably and stay still.
- 02Call 000Say chest pain or suspected heart attack.
- 03Follow advicePrescribed medicine or aspirin only within the safe boundary.
- 04MonitorCPR and AED if they become unresponsive.
01
What to do first
- Call 000 and ask for an ambulance.
- Sit the person comfortably, keep them still and reassure them.
- Follow the call-taker and use prescribed angina medicine only as directed.
- For non-traumatic adult chest pain, chew 300 mg aspirin only if safe and not contraindicated.
- If unresponsive and not breathing normally, start CPR and use an AED.
02
What to avoid
- Do not drive the person yourself when an ambulance is available.
- Do not leave them alone or encourage them to walk around.
- Do not give aspirin to a child or to anyone with an allergy or medical warning against it.
- Do not give someone else's prescription medicine.
03
When to call 000
- Chest pressure, pain spreading to the arm, jaw, back or neck, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness, collapse or symptoms lasting 10 minutes requires 000.
04
What to monitor
- Monitor response and breathing continuously until ambulance staff take over.
Recognition cues
What you may notice
- Pressure, tightness, heaviness or pain may spread to an arm, shoulder, jaw, back or neck.
- Shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness, unusual fatigue or collapse can occur with a heart attack.
- Symptoms may be mild, unusual or mistaken for indigestion, especially in women and older people.
Avoid these traps
Common mistakes
- Waiting to see if the pain settles or driving the person yourself when an ambulance is available.
- Leaving the person alone or encouraging them to walk around.
- Giving medication without following the person's plan or 000 instructions.
- Treating aspirin as safe for every person or giving it to a child.
This guide is primarily for adults. Sudden or severe chest pain, breathing difficulty, collapse or unusual symptoms in a child still need urgent 000 assessment. Do not give aspirin to a child unless a medical professional specifically directs it. Keep the child still and comfortable, monitor breathing and follow the 000 call-taker rather than guessing a medication dose.
When help is on the way
Keep the handover useful
- Sit the person comfortably, keep them still and monitor response and breathing.
- Tell the call-taker when symptoms began, what the person felt, which medicines were taken and whether the pain is changing.
Practise the pattern
Make it easier to remember
Common questions
Quick answers
What if symptoms improve?
Still arrange urgent medical assessment. Heart attack symptoms can be mild or change over time.
Can a heart attack feel like indigestion?
Yes. Mild, unusual or non-chest symptoms can still be serious. Call 000 if you are concerned rather than waiting for certainty.
Can an adult take aspirin?
For non-traumatic adult chest pain, chew 300 mg aspirin only if the person can safely swallow, is not allergic to aspirin and has not been told not to take it. Follow the call-taker or doctor advice.
What is the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest?
A person having a heart attack is usually conscious and breathing. A person in cardiac arrest is unresponsive and not breathing normally; call 000, start CPR and use an AED if available.
Can a heart attack feel like indigestion?
Yes. Mild or unusual symptoms can still be serious. Call 000 when you are concerned.
Can an adult take aspirin?
For non-traumatic adult chest pain, chew 300 mg aspirin only if the person can safely swallow, is not allergic to aspirin and has not been told not to take it; follow the call-taker or doctor advice.
What if the person becomes unresponsive?
Check breathing, call 000 and follow the CPR pathway and call-taker instructions.
Reframed the opening around warning-sign recognition, 000-first ambulance use, adult aspirin boundaries, prescribed angina medicine and the CPR transition against current Healthdirect, ANZCOR and Heart Foundation guidance.