Stroke is an interruption to the blood supply to a part of the brain, resulting in damaged brain tissue. Can occur due to a blockage caused by a blood clot caught in a narrowed spot in a blood vessel or when a weak spot in the wall of blood vessel bursts open and bleeds.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- Numbness or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Trouble seeing out of one or both eyes
- Trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination
- Severe headache
- May appear intoxicated
FIRST AID
- Assess, alert and attend to life-threatening problems
- Activate EMS
- If patron is breathing and unconscious, put in the recovery position
- If patron is conscious, provide comfort and calmness
- Attempt to establish time of onset of symptoms.
TESTING FOR STROKE - F.A.S.T.
(F) Face: Is the person experiencing numbness or paralysis on one side of the face?
(A) Arms: Can he or she raise both arms to an equal height?
(S) Speech: Can you understand the person's speech?
(T) Time: Call 911 as soon as you notice slurred speech or weakness/numbness on one side of the body.