Safety in Emergencies: What You Should Do When Someone is Having a Stroke

In an emergency, every second counts. This is especially true when someone is having a stroke, as immediate medical attention can significantly improve outcomes and reduce the risk of long-term disability.

Understanding the signs of a stroke and knowing how to respond can make all the difference.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on what you should do if you suspect someone is having a stroke.

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die within minutes.

The acronym FAST is an easy way to remember the signs of a stroke:

F – Face Drooping: One side of the face droops or is numb. Ask the person to smile. Is the smile uneven?
A – Arm Weakness: One arm is weak or numb. Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S – Speech Difficulty: Speech is slurred, or the person is unable to speak or hard to understand. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Is the sentence repeated correctly?
T – Time to Call emergence: If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if they go away, call emergence medical care immediately and note the time when the symptoms first appeared.

Immediate Actions to Take

When someone is having a stroke, immediate medical attention is critical. Here are the steps you should follow:

Call Emergency Services: Do not wait to see if the symptoms go away. A stroke is a medical emergency, and quick treatment is essential.
Keep the Person Safe: Ensure the person is in a safe place. If they are sitting or standing, help them lie down on their side with their head slightly elevated to promote blood flow to the brain. This position can also help prevent choking if the person vomits.
Stay Calm and Provide Reassurance: Strokes can be frightening for both the person experiencing it and for those around them. Stay calm and reassure the person that help is on the way.
Note the Time: Record the time when you first noticed the symptoms. This information is crucial for healthcare providers, as certain treatments are most effective if given within a specific timeframe after the stroke begins.
Do Not Give Food or Drink: Avoid giving the person anything to eat or drink. They may have difficulty swallowing, which increases the risk of choking.
Monitor Breathing and Consciousness: Check if the person is breathing and if they are conscious. If the person is unconscious but breathing, place them in the recovery position (on their side with their head tilted back slightly). If they are not breathing, you may need to perform CPR.

After calling for medical services

While waiting for emergency medical services to arrive, continue to monitor the person’s symptoms and be prepared to provide additional information to the paramedics.

Here’s what to do:

Collect Information: Be ready to provide details about the person’s medical history, any medications they are taking, and any known allergies.
Stay with the Person: Do not leave the person alone. Stay with them to offer comfort and observe any changes in their condition.
Keep the Area Clear: Ensure that the area around the person is clear so that emergency responders have easy access when they arrive.

Stroke Prevention Tips

While it’s crucial to know what to do during a stroke, prevention is equally important.

Here are some tips to reduce the risk of stroke:

Control High Blood Pressure: Hypertension is a leading cause of stroke. Regularly check your blood pressure and follow your doctor’s advice to keep it under control.
Maintain a Healthy Diet: A diet low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium can help reduce the risk of stroke. Focus on eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Exercise Regularly: Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower your cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
Quit Smoking: Smoking increases your risk of stroke. If you smoke, seek help to quit.
Limit Alcohol Consumption: Excessive drinking can increase your blood pressure. Drink alcohol in moderation.
Manage Diabetes: If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar levels under control with diet, exercise, and medication.
Recognize and Manage Atrial Fibrillation: Atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heartbeat, can increase the risk of stroke. If you have this condition, follow your doctor’s treatment plan.

Understanding the signs of a stroke and knowing what to do in an emergency can save lives. Quick and decisive action can make a significant difference in the outcome for the person experiencing a stroke.

Always remember to act FAST—Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergnece. In addition, taking steps to prevent stroke through a healthy lifestyle can help reduce your risk and promote overall well-being.