A 45-year-old male complains of dull chest pain. You should first:

• A. Attach AED
• B. Administer Aspirin
• C. Obtain vitals
• D. Administer oxygen by NRB

Answer: (B)

When chest pain could be from a heart attack, giving aspirin right away is the best initial step. Aspirin works by irreversibly inhibiting platelets, which helps prevent further clot formation and can reduce mortality and heart damage in acute coronary syndromes. The usual dose is chewable 160–325 mg so it acts quickly, provided there are no contraindications such as allergy to NSAIDs, active bleeding, or known bleeding disorders. While you prepare to transport, you can simultaneously assess vitals and monitor the patient, but aspirin should be given promptly if it’s safe. Oxygen by nonrebreather is reserved for patients with low oxygen saturation or signs of hypoxia, not routinely for every chest pain case.