What is the first step when responding to a suspected heart attack?

The first step when responding to a suspected heart attack is to call emergency medical services and get an AED. This is crucial because a heart attack can rapidly lead to life-threatening situations such as cardiac arrest, where timely medical intervention is critical. Notifying emergency services ensures that professional help is on the way, and calling for an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can be vital if the victim's heart stops.

Immediate CPR and the use of an AED can greatly increase the chances of survival, but these interventions should ideally be administered after contacting professional medical responders and ensuring that emergency services are en route. Food and drink should not be given as they can complicate medical treatment, and transporting the person without professional assistance could delay critical care. Therefore, initiating emergency protocols by calling for help is the most effective approach in this scenario.