A panic attack is distressing for the person experiencing it and difficult to respond to, but it isn't harmful.

What is it?

A panic attack is a sudden rush of overwhelming fear that often occurs without warning or any obvious reason.

Symptoms

• Hyperventilation and fast breathing result in lack of carbon dioxide in blood
• Palpitations
• Nervous behaviour
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Trembling

First aid aims

• Calm the casualty
• Encourage them to regain control and seek medical advice

Actions

• Take casualty to a quiet place
• Be reassuring but firm
• Remain with casualty until panic attack is over
• Advise casualty to see their doctor