The best thing you can do for one another is to learn CPR. However, if you don't know CPR, follow the new guidelines from the American Heart Association and in an emergency, push on your spouse's chest.
Here are some other suggestions which could save your spouse's life.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: As long as it takes
Here's How:
- Have your spouse stop all physical activity and sit and rest if he/she suddenly starts experiencing severe pain in their chest.
- Call 911 or call out for help if you are not near a telephone.
- Push fast on your spouse's chest.
- If you can, give two rescue breaths after every 30 chest compressions.
- You don't have to stop to check for improvement.
- Don't stop until help arrives. This is because blood circulation increases with each chest compression. It is important to keep the blood flowing.
Tips:
- Don't advise your spouse to start coughing. That advice that has been circulating around the Internet can not be verified by medical literature. The American Heart Association does not endorse cough CPR.
- Aspirin is known to prevent blood platelets from sticking together and can prevent a clot from getting bigger. The next time you have an appointment with your doctor, ask about the pros and cons of either of you chewing and swallowing one 325 mg. aspirin in an emergency situation.
