A apparatus and method for self-treatment of cardiac arrhythmia by a patient, comprising a container sized to be portable by the patient and having therein a chamber containing a medicament composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier mixed with a chemoirritant, preferably L-tartaric acid; a nebulizing valve connected to the chamber so as to provide an outlet therefor; a source of motivating force connected with the chamber so as to motivate the composition through the opening in the nebulizing valve to thereby cause nebulization of the composition; a wireless transmitter responsive to activation of the nebulizer for sending a wireless signal requesting medical assistance; and a power source operatively connected for providing power; wherein the chemoirritant is mixed in the composition in an amount sufficient for causing the patient to produce an involuntary cough effective to maintain at least partial blood circulation.