Strokes are a quite normal event in our surroundings. We are so used to it that often, we forget that it is a serious condition and people die from it. All of us must have some knowledge of first aid for stroke and its signs. This knowledge will aid us the next time we see someone fall from it.
What is Stroke?
A stroke happens if there occurs bleeding in the brain or when regular blood flow into the brain is somehow blocked. This could happen from a clot in a blood vessel that stops blood passing through to brain tissue within a few minutes, if essential nutrients are not supplied, the brain cells begin to die. This could continue for the next quite a few hours. Therefore, pay attention. A stroke is a true moment of emergency. The sooner the patient gets treatment, the more chances they have of minimally damaged. If you know how to start the treatment, you might be able to save someone’s life.
If you think there is a possible stroke, you need to use a process called F.A.S.T to help you remember the warning signs.
- Face: Is the victim’s face drooping on a side while they try to smile?
- Arms: While trying to raise both arms, is one arm lower than the other?
- Speech: Is the victim able to repeat a simple sentence?
- Time: Try to find out how long these symptoms have been going on. Every minute counts in such situations.
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There may be some other signs of stroke. These include the following-
- Abrupt numbness in the victim’s face, leg or arm on any one or both the sides of their body.
- Sudden loss of vision or blurring of focus in one or both the eyes.
- Difficulty with coherent speech or understanding anything that is being spoken.
- loss of bowel and/ or bladder control.
- Sudden confusion about time or place.
- Not recognizing others around them.
- An unexpected and severe headache without any apparent reason.
- Giddiness, unsteady gait or sudden falling.
First Aid for Stroke: This Tips May Save You
The first aid for stroke is quite simple. Follow the instructions below and do not try to do anything you are not sure about.
- Take firm hold of the victim’s face. Ask them to smile. If they have had a stroke, they would only be capable of smiling lopsidedly. The other side would droop. The muscles will not move.
- Ask the victim to raise both arms. If it is a stroke, they can only be able to raise one arm.
- Find out if the victim can form words clearly and correctly; and also understand everything you speak. Ask questions that require a simple answer.
- Call an emergency number for help. Tell your local ambulance control that you have exercised the F.A.S.T process and you suspect a stroke.
- Keep the victim as comfortable and supported as possible. If they are conscious, you should make them lie down.
- You should cover the victim snugly so that they do not lose too much body heat.
- Monitor and record the patient’s vital signs – level of muscle response, regularity of breathing and pulse while you wait for help.
- Do not give the victim anything to drink or eat. That might be difficult for them to swallow. Since the muscles of their face are not working, you don’t want to push it.
- Don’t let the patient fall asleep if they are conscious. Keep them conscious as long as the doctor does not take over.
- If the condition of the victim deteriorates, say their consciousness is declining; you have to turn them on their side. Also, make sure they are well supported and comfortable.
The experience of having to suffer from a stroke, to be honest, is very upsetting for any person, no matter their physical or mental strength. However, if medical treatment is provided, followed by some rehabilitating therapy supervised by a professional therapist over a certain period of time, the victim will find that improvement is very much achievable for most of the people.
