Stroke is a common ailment, but not many people are aware of how to react to a stroke victim. A stroke occurs when blood stops flowing to a part of the brain. If a blood vessel is bleeding or blocked in the brain, stroke is often the result. Normally, stroke happens very suddenly. While many new treatments can reduce the damage from a stroke, it is key that the victim receives proper treatment as soon as possible.
Warning Signs of Stroke Include:
– Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg. Particularly if the numbness occurs on one side of the body.
– Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding.
– Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
– Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination
– Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
If stroke occurs:
1- Make sure scene is safe. Clear any objects from around the victim that might cause them harm should they move into it.
2- Phone or ask someone to phone your emergency response number. Get the first aid kit and the AED if available.
3- Note the time when the signs of stroke first appeared.
4- Check for breathing. If victim isn’t breathing, give CPR. Knowing how to provide correct CPR is key to making sure the stroke has less of an effect on the brain after, but if you don’t know CPR give Hands-Only CPR.
