Heart attack or stroke: what to do? Step-by-step guide

⏱ 2 min read

Chest pain, drooping face. Below: what to do right away, what next, when to call 112 and what to avoid. The same instructions are in the free SurvivalZone.app and work without internet.

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First, right now

Pain, pressure or burning in the chest for more than a few minutes, often with breathlessness and sweating? Call 112.
Check for stroke: a drooping side of the mouth, a weak arm, slurred speech. Even one sign means 112.
Write down the time the symptoms started. Hospital treatment depends on it.

Then

For a heart attack, sit the person half upright, loosen tight clothing and do not let them walk.
An adult with chest pain who is conscious and not allergic can chew an aspirin of 150–300 mg.
If they have their own heart medicine (nitroglycerin), help them take it as their doctor prescribed.
For a stroke, make the person comfortable with the head slightly raised and give them nothing.
Open the door for the paramedics and get a list of the person's medicines ready.
If they become unconscious and are not breathing normally, start chest compressions and ask for an AED.

When to call 112

Always with signs of a heart attack or stroke, even if the symptoms went away after a few minutes.

What not to do

Do not wait to see if it passes. With a heart attack or stroke every minute counts.
Do not drive the person yourself if you can call an ambulance.
Do not give aspirin for a suspected stroke or to children.
Do not give a stroke patient anything to eat or drink. They may choke.

Frequently asked questions

Heart attack or stroke: what should I do first?

Pain, pressure or burning in the chest for more than a few minutes, often with breathlessness and sweating? Call 112. Check for stroke: a drooping side of the mouth, a weak arm, slurred speech. Even one sign means 112. Write down the time the symptoms started. Hospital treatment depends on it.

When should I call 112?

Always with signs of a heart attack or stroke, even if the symptoms went away after a few minutes.

Heart attack or stroke: what should I avoid?

Do not wait to see if it passes. With a heart attack or stroke every minute counts. Do not drive the person yourself if you can call an ambulance.

Keep it on your phone

SurvivalZone.app is a free app for every emergency, with no account and no app store. It works without internet and shows the nearest shelters and help points, local radio, a 72-hour plan and a mountain trip planner.

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Thank you for reading. If this could help someone, send it to the people you care about. Getting ready takes a moment, and in a crisis every minute counts.

Coming soon: the app’s permanent address will be survivalzone.app.

Other scenarios

Sources

ERC first aid and resuscitation guidelines (European Resuscitation Council)

Official sources are checked automatically every day. Last check: 2026-11-08.

General guidance only; it does not replace the emergency services. If a life is in danger, call 112.