13/02/2026
☆ Chest pain: when should you call an ambulance? ☆
Chest pain can feel frightening — and sometimes people hesitate because they’re unsure if it’s “serious enough”.
According to NHS guidance, you should call 999 immediately if chest pain:
• Feels tight, heavy, squeezing or like pressure
• Spreads to the arms, neck, jaw or back
• Is accompanied by shortness of breath
• Causes sweating, nausea or dizziness
• Makes the person pale, clammy or very unwell
• Lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back
But it’s also important to recognise that heart attacks don’t always present in the “classic” way.
Resuscitation Council updates in recent years have highlighted that women in particular may experience:
• Upper back, shoulder or jaw discomfort
• Indigestion-like pain, cramping or a burning sensation
• Unusual fatigue
• Nausea without obvious chest pain
• Breathlessness without severe chest discomfort
Trust your instincts. If it feels wrong, unusual, or different from anything before — call.
🫀 While you’re waiting for help:
• Help them sit down and rest
• Keep them calm and reassure them
• Loosen tight clothing
• Do not let them walk around
• Help them take prescribed medication (e.g. GTN spray)
• If advised by the 999 call handler and they’re not allergic or taking blood thinners, and are 16y+, they may be told to chew 300mg aspirin
If they become unresponsive and stop breathing normally, begin CPR and use a defibrillator if available
In many areas, a Community First Responder (CFR) may arrive before the ambulance crew. CFRs are trained volunteers who can assess, monitor and begin early care — bringing equipment and reassurance while further help is on the way.
But whether it’s a CFR or a paramedic who arrives first, the most important step is this:
📞 Make the call.
Not all chest pain is a heart attack — but some is. Acting quickly can protect heart muscle and save lives.
When in doubt, check it out ⭐
