[kqr]

Not a real answer but I consider myself lucky I had my first one in the ER (which I was in at the time for other reasons). The medical staff could in a calm and collected manner explain to me exactly what I was experiencing and what mechanisms in my body was activating and it all became so much easier to deal with.

I can only imagine having your first one alone or among inexperienced people and how much more horrifying that must be.