Follow these steps when administering aspirin:

1. Be sure the patient is alert and responsive.

2. Check the blood pressure in both arms.

The readings should be within 15 mm Hg of each other, otherwise do not administer aspirin. This difference in blood pressure can indicate an aortic aneurysm.

3. Ask the patient to swallow a single, non-coated 325 mg aspirin tablet or four 81 mg tablets with water.

Do not give enteric-coated aspirin.
It is okay to swallow or chew the tablet.  The speed of absorption is almost the same. 

4. If the patient has a prescription for nitroglycerin and meets the criteria for administration, do not delay in assisting with nitroglycerin.

           Assist with administration of nitro before giving aspirin.

5. Request a paramedic response if paramedics were not dispatched.

6. Record your actions, including the dosage and the time of administration.