Patients with cardiac emergencies may present with many different signs and symptoms including

chest pain and low blood pressure (hypotension).

A. Chest Pain:

Chest pain is a sign that can come from many causes. It should be considered a life

threatening condition. An EMS provider transport service must be contacted for response

to provide additional treatment and transfer to an appropriate facility.

1. Call for EMS transport, if not already activated.

2. Maintain airway:

a. Administer oxygen 15 LPM via non-rebreathing mask.

b. If patient cannot tolerate mask, administer oxygen 6 LPM via nasal cannula.

c. Be prepared to assist ventilations as needed, with oxygen via mouth to

mask.

3. Position of comfort.

4. Keep patient calm.

5. Monitor vital signs.

6. Transfer patient to the transporting EMS provider.

B. Hypotension:

Blood pressure (BP) less than 90 systolic: usually associated with chest pain and/or

irregular heart beat, shortness of breath, and altered level of consciousness.

1. Call for EMS transport, if not already activated.

2. Maintain airway:

a. Administer oxygen 15 LPM via non-rebreathing mask.

b. If patient cannot tolerate mask, administer oxygen 6 LPM via nasal cannula.

c. Be prepared to assist ventilations as needed, with oxygen via mouth to

mask.

3. Position with head elevated, no more than 15 degrees.

4. Monitor vital signs.

5. Transfer patient to the transporting EMS provider.