Emergency
Here we present some of the symptoms and emergency situations that can affect the heart and circulatory system.
In the first aid section we recall the initial measures. Most people will have taken a first aid course at some point when getting their driver's license. For many, though, that was years ago and much has been forgotten. Some only associate that knowledge with traffic accidents. It's often not realized that in everyday life you may have to help someone just as often, or even more often. Most emergencies happen in private settings. The person affected is not an anonymous stranger but a partner, neighbor, friend maybe your own parents or children, or even yourself. It's all too easy to look the other way and pretend it can't happen. And people 'forget' to refresh their first aid training, which is recommended every two to three years.
So that you aren't helpless and unable to help when it matters, we'll review some first aid measures.
Important: This does not replace taking a refresher first aid course!
It's equally important not to be afraid to help.
- Observe precautions for self-protection! In addition to the disposable gloves found in every first aid kit, there are ventilation aids for example mouth-to-mask devices that reduce the hesitation to cover another person's mouth or nose with your own. These are available in pharmacies, where you can also get advice.
- Don't fail to provide help because you're afraid of doing something wrong or because you're worried about legal consequences. As long as you act in good faith and to the best of your knowledge, do not act with gross negligence, and do not intentionally harm the victim, you have nothing to fear legally. Failure to provide assistance, however, is a criminal offense (PDF: Legal questions about first aid provided by first responders (GUV))!
- Don't be afraid of possibly embarrassing yourself! Unfortunately, the willingness to help decreases as the number of bystanders increases. It's all too easy to justify inaction with thoughts like: 'Why should I be the one to help? There are so many others here.' Or: 'If nobody is doing anything, it can't be that bad.' Ignore those thoughts. Be brave! Even if everyone else just watches: be the person who steps out of the crowd, helps, and maybe saves a life!
Source:
This article comes from BloodPressureDB – the leading app since 2011 that helps hundreds of thousands monitor their blood pressure every day.
Our content is based on carefully researched, evidence-based data and is continuously updated (as of 02/2026).
Author Sabine Croci is a qualified medical assistant with many years of experience in internal medicine and cardiology practices as well as in outpatient care, and has led BloodPressureDB's specialist editorial team since 2015. Thanks to her extensive additional qualifications as a paramedic, first responder and in various therapy and emergency areas, she provides solid, practical and reliably reviewed information.
Author Sabine Croci is a qualified medical assistant with many years of experience in internal medicine and cardiology practices as well as in outpatient care, and has led BloodPressureDB's specialist editorial team since 2015. Thanks to her extensive additional qualifications as a paramedic, first responder and in various therapy and emergency areas, she provides solid, practical and reliably reviewed information.
