A stroke can occur when blood supply to the brain is disrupted and starves the brain of oxygen. It is caused by either a blockage or a bleed in the brain’s blood vessels.
Signs and Symptoms
Look for:
- Facial Weakness – Uneven smile, droopy mouth or eye.
- Arm Weakness – Can they raise both arms?
- Speech Problems – Can they speak clearly?
A good way to remember what to look for is using the acronym FAST, which stands for Face, Arms, Speech, Time signifiying it’s time to call 911.
Other symptoms may include:
- Numbness
- Blurred Vision
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Feeling or Being Sick
What to Do?
If you suspect someone is having a stroke, use the FAST guide to identify the key signs:
- F – Facial Weakness or Droop
- Look at their mouth or eyes – they may be droopy, and they might not be able to smile evenly.
- A – Arm Weakness
- Ask them to raise both of their arms. They may only be able to raise one.
- S – Speech Problems They are unable to speak clearly or might not be able to understand what you are saying to them.
- Ask them a question, such as ‘What is your name?’ Can they respond appropriately?
- T – Time to Call 911. Call for emergency help and tell them you suspect a stroke after using the FAST guide.
- While waiting for help to arrive, keep them comfortable, supported, and reassure them.
- Do not give them anything to eat or drink because it may be hard for them to swallow.
- Keep monitoring their level of response until help arrives.
- If they become unresponsive, prepare to treat them as an unresponsive casualty.
Credit: St. John Ambulance