Mental Health Awareness

Panic Attacks

A panic attack is both a mental health and a physical health problem. A panic attack has similar signs and symptoms to a heart attack and a first aider might not be able to differentiate between them. The panic attack can be serious and if left untreated, can lead to a more serious physical condition. Therefore, it is always recommended to call 9-1-1.

Signs and symptoms of a panic attack may include some or all of the following:

  • Intense fear, inappropriate for the circumstances
  • Feeling of choking
  • Tremors or restlessness
  • Feeling of unreality or detachment from oneself or from one’s surroundings
  • Feeling dizzy, unsteady, light-headed or faint
  • Feeling of losing control or going “crazy”
  • Fear of dying
  • A sense of impending doom or death
  • Increased heart rate
  • Nausea and/or vomiting

First aid for a panic attack

To give first aid for a panic attack, perform the following steps:

  1. Call 9-1-1.
  2. Sit the casualty down in a comfortable position, preferably in a quiet area if possible.
  3. While waiting for medical help, and if the casualty is hyperventilating, attempt to slow down the casualty’s breathing. Examples that can help someone focus on their breathing include:
    • Box breaths: Breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds and hold for 4 seconds. Note: Box breaths do not always need to be in 4-second intervals. Start with something reasonable for the casualty and increase the breath intervals as they calm down.
    • Ask them to breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth.