In treating a patient with chest pressure who has not taken their nitroglycerin, what is the recommended first step?

Administering aspirin to a patient experiencing chest pressure is a crucial first step in the management of potential acute coronary syndrome, such as a heart attack. Aspirin acts as an antiplatelet agent, helping to inhibit platelet aggregation and reduce the likelihood of clot formation in the coronary arteries. This is vital, especially in cases where a clot may be obstructing blood flow to the heart muscle.

By giving aspirin quickly, you can help prevent further complications while waiting for more advanced care or other treatments to be initiated. This step is particularly important if the patient has not taken their nitroglycerin, as nitroglycerin primarily helps with angina, but does not address the underlying potential clot that might be causing ischemia. The administration of aspirin is a well-established protocol in emergency care for patients with chest pain, as it significantly improves outcomes when a myocardial infarction is suspected.

While the other options involve important aspects of patient care, they would typically follow the administration of aspirin. For instance, the use of an AED and transport preparations are crucial but would come into play only if the patient becomes unresponsive or exhibits signs of cardiac arrest. Assisting with nitroglycerin is also a valid response but would require medical control approval, which may