The fact is that panic attacks often occur to anyone without warning so whenever a person experiences an attack, it’s critical that you know what to do by understanding what a panic attack is. A panic attack is a sudden flood of overpowering fear or anxiety which manifests itself boasting many signs as well as symptoms. During an attack, a person goes through many symptoms including some of these: heart racing, pains in the chest, breathing problems, churning stomach, muscle tension, trembling, sweating profusely, dizziness, temperature variations, tingling feeling, a feeling of detachment, lack of control and a fear of death.
Seek for emergency medical help because it’s critical to look for an expert particularly if a person experiences a panic attack for the first time. Identify the cause of these symptoms because the signs and symptoms of the attack are like medical conditions i.e. hyperventilation or even shortness of breath could be an indicator of asthma, while chest pain, increased heartbeat or palpitation and sweating can be a coronary. Talk to the person and determine if the symptoms are the result of different conditions nevertheless, when in doubt, an expert will be a great help.

While waiting for assistance, locate the source of attack. Once it’s determined that the catalyst of the symptoms is really a panic attack, locate the root of this panic and take the person away from the source however don’t assume you know what this individual needs. An individual who is suffering from this attack might understand precisely what to do or has pills that would move them through this episode, so it is good to inquire. Don’t surprise the patient, so be consistent with your movements which also means you must not seize, handle or restrain. Keep them calm and remain calm on your own - you could do that by comforting the individual that everything is going to be okay however do not dismiss his fear by stating “get a grip”. Make note that this fear is quite authentic to the victim so it dismissing the fear has no effect or can actually make things harder.
Assist the person in controlling his breathing since several people breathe heavily during a panic attack, while other individuals simply hold their breathing. Using a deep breathing technique is an extremely effective method to remove the ailments that accompany a attack and will also calm the individual. Guide the person and instruct him to inhale for three slower counts, and then ask them to hold their breath for 3 slow counts and then exhale out for another three slow counts. Repeat this several times till the individual becomes calm but alternatively you could also advise the person to exhale into a paper bag. This way, he’ll recycle his carbon dioxide that will helps correct the blood acid level that had been disturbed through excessive inhalation but be careful if using paper bags as they may set off another terror.
Stay with the person during his ordeal especially if they’re experiencing problems breathing. Most of all be patient, even if they’re abrasive or unfriendly at you, just understand that it is not permanent and should return to the way it was when this attack is over. Try to remember that for the person, the fears are very tangible therefore reassure the individual that help is coming. Do not allow the patient to perform things which would put their life in jeopardy.