eFirstAidSupplies Blog - First Aid for Strokes

What is a Stroke? What are the Signs?

A stroke is the result of a burst or clot in a blood vessel that disrupts the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain. Time is of the essence. Every second that passes, the brain sustains damage. The faster someone can receive treatment or first aid for a stroke, the more likely they are to survive and recover.

Treatment will depend upon the type of stroke you are having and its severity. This may be as simple as emergency IV treatment or as invasive as brain surgery.

There are three types of strokes:

Ischemic Stroke is the result of a clot. 87% of strokes fall under this category.
Hemorrhagic strokes are uncontrolled bleeding in the brain from burst blood vessels.
Transient ischemic attack (TIA): This is a warning stroke or a “mini-stroke.” TIAs are medical emergencies and present with the same symptoms as hemorrhagic or ischemic strokes. Seek the help of a professional even if the symptoms subside.

Symptoms:

Use acronym F.A.S.T to spot signs of stroke.

Face drooping: Ask the person to smile. If one side of the face droops, call 911.
Arm weakness: Have the person raise both arms to their sides and count to ten. If one arm begins to fall, this could be a sign of a stroke.
Speech difficulty:Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are they able to repeat the phrase? Is the speech slurred or jumbled?
Time: Every second counts in the event of the stroke. If you observe any of these symptoms or suspect a stroke, act fast. Call 911 and seek assistance from a medical professional.

Other symptoms include:

Balance or Vertigo
Memory loss
Paralysis or numbness on one side of the body
Vision problems (blurred, seeing double, or vision loss)
Headache
Nausea or vomiting

Administering First Aid for a Stroke:

While a stroke needs to be addressed by a medical professional, some first aid for a stroke victim can occur before an ambulance arrives.

Remain calm.
If you suspect a stroke, call 911 immediately. Do not drive the patient to the hospital yourself unless otherwise advised. Wait for paramedics so they can begin treatment before they arrive at the hospital.
If they are conscious, prop up their upper body and loosen any tight clothing like ties or belts. Make sure their airway is clear.
If they are unconscious, place them on their side (recovery position) and ensure the airway remains clear.
DO NOT give the patient water, food, or aspirin as it can delay treatment or worsen the situation.

The likelihood of strokes increases with:

Smoking
Obesity
High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Sleep apnea
Age

Decrease your risk for stoke by taking care of yourself. Eat healthy, exercise regularly, and limit your alcohol intake. See your general practitioner regularly to evaluate your health and risk factors. Consult your doctor about your susceptibility to stroke. They may put you on medication to reduce your risk.

A stroke can happen to anyone, anyplace, anytime. Be aware of the symptoms to respond fast and save a life.