For a conscious victim who is having a heart attack, what should be your first action?

The correct first action for a conscious victim who is having a heart attack is to call emergency services immediately. This approach emphasizes the urgency of the situation, as a heart attack can lead to severe complications, including cardiac arrest. Prompt medical intervention can significantly improve outcomes for the victim, as trained professionals can provide necessary treatments that may not be available on-site.

Encouraging the victim to sit down and rest is a supportive measure that can help, but it does not address the need for immediate medical assistance. Providing aspirin, while beneficial in certain situations, should only be done if the person is not allergic and has no contraindications; even then, it is secondary to ensuring that professional help is on the way. Performing CPR is crucial in cases where the victim is unresponsive and has no pulse, but for a conscious individual, calling for emergency services is the priority to ensure they receive the appropriate treatment swiftly.