Strokes occur when the blood supply to the brain is blocked or limited. A stroke is a medical emergency. Quick intervention may increase a person`s chance of survival and reduce the risk of long term disability. After first aid and treatment, the stroke recovery process varies.
If you suspect someone is having a stroke, use FAST guide to identify the key signs.
F ➡️ A ➡️ S ➡️ T
🤨 F (facial weakness)
▶️ Ask the patient to smile and look at their mouth or eye
▶️ They may be droopy, and they can`t smile evenly
🖐️ A (Arm weakness)
▶️ Ask the patient if can raise both hands
▶️ They may only be able to raise one
🗣️ S (Speech problems)
▶️ Ask the patient to talk
▶️ Ask them a question such as “what is your name”
▶️ They unable to speak clearly
⏲️ T (Time)
▶️ If all the signs are present, time to call 1990 for emergency help.
If you identify someone may be having a stroke, follow these first aid steps
✔️ 🆘️ 📞 Call 1990 for emergency medical services.
✔️ Move the person into a cool place, out of direct sunlight and keep the comfortable, supported and reassure them.
✔️ Remove the person`s unnecessary clothing and cold the person`s entire body by spraying cold water or fan.
If the person in conscious, place him into a comfortable position
↪️ They should be lying on their side with their head shoulders slightly raised and supported with a pillow.
If the person in unconscious,
Monitor their airway and breathing
↪️ Lift the person`s chin and tilt their head slightly backward,
↪️ Look to see if their chest is moving,
↪️ Listen for breathing sounds,
If there are signs of breathing move them into recovery position.
If there are no signs of breathing begin CPR. If you know how to give CPR technique correctly, apply it right away.
✔️ If they are cold, Cover them with blanket to keep them warm 🌡️.
✔️ Apply ice packs in each armpit and on the back of the person`s neck
❌ Do not give aspirin💊 or acetaminophen💊 to reduce high body temperature.
✔️ If the person is awake and alert enough to swallow, give the person fluids💧 for hydration.
✔️ While waiting for the ambulance🚑 to arrive, observe the patient closely for any change in condition.
Imesha Malshani
References
https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/tw3250spec
https://www.sja.org.uk/get-advice/first-aid-advice/stroke/
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