Stroke
Stroke
Time is critical when dealing with a stroke to minimise the time the brain is starved of oxygen – the faster the medical attention, the better the chances of recovery.
Signs & Symptoms
Use the FAST test to check for signs of a stroke:
- Face – is there weakness on one side?
- Arms – can the casualty raise both arms and maintain them outstretched?
- Speech – is their speech slurred?
- Time – call 999/112 if any of the above symptoms are present. Tell the call handler that you suspect a stroke.
A variation of the FAST test is the BE FAST test which introduces checks for Balance and Eyes. Can the person balance on their own and do their eyes track together and look the same size. These additional checks can help identify a stroke that occurs at the back of the brain when the person may not have the other symptoms checked by FAST.
Both acronyms should be used to emphasis the importance of time if a stroke is suspected. Getting the casualty to hospital in the least time possible provides the best chance of reducing long term effects of the stroke.
Treatment
- Call 999/112 if you suspect a stroke.
- Keep the casualty comfortable while waiting for help to arrive or transport to hospital if safe to do so (consider what you would do if they suddenly became unconscious).
- A conscious casualty can be laid down with head and shoulders raised.
- Don’t give them anything to eat or drink.
- If they lose consciousness, place in the recovery position and treat as an unconscious casualty.
