During the first 10 minutes after a patient shows symptoms of an MI, what should your first actions include?

During the first 10 minutes after a patient shows symptoms of a myocardial infarction (MI), obtaining a 12-lead ECG and administering aspirin (ASA) are critical actions. Rapid acquisition of a 12-lead ECG allows for the immediate identification of the type of MI, if present, which is essential for guiding further treatment. Timely recognition of changes characteristic of an MI can influence the urgency and type of interventions required.

Administering aspirin is crucial because it helps inhibit platelet aggregation, potentially slowing the progression of the clot formation associated with an MI. This medication is one of the foundational treatments in the early management of chest pain due to suspected cardiac ischemia.

These actions align with the goals of early recognition and management of MI to improve outcomes, as they prioritize both diagnosis and intervention in a time-sensitive manner.