How To Deal With Panic Attack Victims – First Aid Advice
Is there anything that I should do if I only think that a person is having a panic attack?
Talk to the person and try to work out if they have any insight into what is occuring. Ask them whether they had ever had a panic attack, like this, ever before. If they reply in a way that suggests that this is a frequent event, then you need to try and calm them down, in both physical and psychological sense.
Don’t forget to first introduced yourself.
If you are not sure whether the person is having a panic attack or a heart attack – then what do you do?
Don’t feel bad, it can be a real challenge to make the distinction. To be honest, it is not possible to be absolutely certain without the aid of certain diagnostic aids, such as ECGs or blood tests.
Follow the basics and don’t worry if the diagnostics are too demanding. Look around for medicalert necklaces or bracelets. Obviously, heed any advice given by the alert. Sometimes you need to call in the cavalry, just to stay safe.
OK – but if they are having a panic attack – then what do I do?
Be calmness personified. Speak clearly and is slowly, using short and simple sentences. Let them know what is happening to them and let them know that it will be fine in the end. Try to get them into a resourceful state of mind, as they may come up with a panic attack cure on their own. Don’t make them feel small or silly. Terror can feel very real and, in the correct circumstances will save their life.
However, in the incorrect circumstances it can be unhelpful and at times embarrassing.
