First Aid For Stroke

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel to the brain or within the brain bursts or becomes blocked and no blood can flow to brain tissue. When blood flow stops, brain tissue begins to die. Time lost is brain lost!

Clot-busting drugs, if given within 3 - 4.5 hours, or clot removal within 6-16 hours and up to 24 hours, can open some blocked arteries. Remember hours includes the time for medical evaluation. Every minute counts so immediate medical attention is important. Your role as a rescuer is to recognize the signs and symptoms of a stroke and help get the victim to a Stroke Center hospital fast.

A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), also called "warning stroke" or "mini-stroke", causes signs and symptoms just like a stroke but they go away. This is a sign that a full-blown stroke may be on the way. TIAs should not be ignored even if symptoms go away quickly.

Signs & Symptoms of a stroke:
- Sudden unexplained dizziness/trouble walking
- Sudden intense headache, 'worst headache ever'
- Sudden dimness or loss of vision, usually in one eye
- Sudden inability to speak, slurred or incoherent speech
- Sudden loss of sensation and/or function on one side of the face, arms or legs
- Sudden confusion, Unconsciousness

Perform a FAST Test:
Face: Ask the person to smile. If one side droops, it may be a TIA or stroke.
Arms: Ask the person to hold out both arms in front of the body. If one arm droops, it may be a TIA or stroke.
Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. If speech is slurred or garbled, or other errors occur, it may be a stroke or TIA.
Time: If any of these happens, call for medical help. Ask for the nearest Stroke Center hospital.

Tips:
- Do not give victim anything to eat or drink.
- Do not delay getting medical attention.
- Call for medical help immediately.
- Monitor responsiveness and breathing.
- Calm and reassure victim until help arrives.
- Have victim rest in a comfortable position.
- If the victim loses consciousness place, in the Recovery Position.
- Stay with the victim until help arrives.