First Aid Treatment For Stroke

Important Information
• Strokes occur when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked or ruptured depriving brain tissue of oxygen
• You could consider a stroke similar to a heart attack but relevant to the brain (brain attack) which is a clog in the brain as opposed to a clog in the heart
• There are methods for unclogging strokes in a hospital emergency room so Alert EMS immediately for a suspected stroke patient
• Patients having a stroke may complain of or have signs of numbness, paralysis or weakness of the face, arm or leg, often just one side and they may have trouble speaking; They may complain of a severe, unexplained headache or decreased vision in one or both eyes
• Treat a stroke as a medical emergency; Follow primary care procedures
• Some Common Warning Signs of Stroke & Mini Stroke (aka FAST)

• Face: facial weakness - can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
• Arm: does it show weakness? - can the person raise both arms?
• Speech: problems - can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
• Time: time to call EMS

Patient Care for Stroke
STOP - Assess and observe the scene
THINK - Consider your safety and form action plan
ACT - Check responsiveness, look for a medical alert tag and Alert EMS
Perform a primary assessment and monitor the patient's Cycle of Care - AB-CABS
For a responsive patient, conduct an illness assessment; Reassure the patient if they have difficulty speaking and ask 'yes' or 'no' questions
Help the patient into a comfortable position and continue to monitor the patient's Cycle of Care until EMS arrives

First Aid Advice & Information for Stroke is for guidance only - Click Here to get Trained in CPR & First Aid