Aside from calling EMS/911, what should you do if you suspect a person is having a heart attack?

The recommended action when you suspect a person is having a heart attack is to have them chew acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) tablets. Chewing ASA helps to thin the blood and can reduce the severity of the heart attack by improving blood flow to the heart, thereby increasing the chances of survival. This action is particularly important, as it can help mitigate damage to the heart muscle while waiting for emergency medical services to arrive.

While encouraging someone to lie down might provide them with a sense of comfort and prevent further strain, it doesn't address the underlying issue of the heart attack or provide any medical assistance. Providing something to drink could be risky, as it may induce choking or be inappropriate given the person's condition. Asking someone to take deep breaths may aid in relaxation, but it does not provide any direct medical benefit to someone experiencing a potentially life-threatening event like a heart attack.

Therefore, recommending ASA is a proactive step in offering immediate assistance tailored to the urgency of a heart attack situation, focusing on improving the individual's chances of a favorable outcome.