Responding To Stroke: Quick, Calm, And Effective Actions Save Lives

Knowing how to respond to someone who is having a stroke is crucial, as it can help save their life and reduce the risk of long-term disability. Strokes occur when the blood supply to the brain is blocked or limited, and they can be fatal if not treated promptly. Here are some essential steps to take when responding to a stroke patient:

1. Recognize the signs of a stroke: Use the acronym FAST to remember the key indicators. F stands for face, so check for facial asymmetry or drooping on one side. A stands for arms; ask the person to raise both arms and observe if one arm drifts down due to weakness. S stands for speech; listen for slurred speech or difficulty in getting words out. T means it's time to act and call emergency services if you observe any of these signs.

2. Call emergency services immediately: Don't delay, as time is critical in stroke treatment. Call 911 or your local emergency number right away. Inform them that you have a stroke patient so they can send the necessary equipment and personnel.

3. Gather information: While waiting for emergency services to arrive, ask the patient about their medical history, including any previous strokes, heart problems, diabetes, or other relevant conditions. Also, inquire about any medications they are currently taking, including prescription drugs, aspirin, anticoagulants, or other substances.

4. Make the person comfortable: Help the person lie down on their side with their head slightly elevated to promote blood flow and prevent vomiting. Loosen any restrictive clothing around their neck or chest to facilitate easier breathing.

5. Monitor breathing: If the person is unconscious, check for pulse and breathing. If there is no pulse, start CPR immediately.

6. Prevent choking: Do not give the person any food or liquids, as stroke can impair their ability to swallow.

7. Stay with them: Keep the person calm and reassured until emergency services arrive.

Recognise the signs of a stroke

Recognising the signs of a stroke is crucial, as it can help save a person's life and prevent long-term brain damage. The medical acronym FAST is a useful tool for identifying a stroke:

F – Face: Check if one side of the person's face is drooping or hanging. Ask them to smile or raise their eyebrows; if one side is not moving normally, this could be a sign of a stroke.

A – Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms to shoulder height. If they are having a stroke, they may be unable to lift one or both arms, or one arm may drift downward.

S – Speech: Listen for slurred speech. Ask the person to say their name or repeat a simple sentence. If they are having difficulty speaking or their speech sounds strange, this could indicate a stroke.

T – Time: If you observe any of the above signs, it is time to act. Call the emergency services immediately (e.g. 911 in the US). Every minute counts when treating a stroke, as the brain is deprived of oxygen, leading to potential nerve damage and increased risk of fatality.

In addition to the FAST test, there are other signs that may indicate a stroke:

• Confusion or difficulty understanding speech
• Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination
• Severe headache with no known cause
• Loss of consciousness

Even if the symptoms are subtle or temporary, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. These could be signs of a mini-stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), which can be a warning of a more severe stroke to come.

Call emergency services

Calling emergency services is the first step in responding to a stroke. It is important to act quickly as strokes are a medical emergency and can be fatal. The longer you wait, the more damage is done to the brain and other vital organs.

If you or someone else is showing signs of a stroke, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Let the operator know that you have a stroke victim so that they can send the necessary equipment and prepare for their arrival. Do not hesitate or wait to see if the symptoms pass, as this could be a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), or "mini stroke", which is a warning sign of a more severe stroke to come. Every minute the brain goes without oxygen increases the chances of permanent neurological damage.

While you are on the phone with emergency services, you can also ask the patient when they first started experiencing symptoms. This information will help the emergency team act as efficiently as possible and determine the appropriate treatment. If you are unsure when the symptoms started, knowing when the person was last seen "normal" can also be helpful.

It is recommended that you call an ambulance rather than driving the person to the hospital, as paramedics can provide emergency care on the way and get there faster.

Put the patient in the recovery position

If the stroke patient is conscious, it is important to place them in a comfortable position, lying on their side. Their head and shoulders should be slightly raised and supported with a pillow or item of clothing. If the person is unconscious, they should be placed in the recovery position.

• With the person lying on their back, kneel on the floor beside them.
• Extend the arm nearest you at a right angle to their body, with the palm facing up.
• Take their other arm and fold it so that the back of their hand rests on the cheek closest to you, and hold it in place.
• Use your free hand to bend the person's knee farthest from you at a right angle.
• Carefully roll the person onto their side by pulling on the bent knee towards you. Their bent arm should support their head, and their extended arm will stop you from rolling them too far.
• Make sure their bent leg is at a right angle.
• Open their airway by gently tilting their head back and lifting their chin. Check that nothing is blocking their airway.
• Stay with the person and monitor their condition until help arrives.

If you suspect that the person may have a spinal injury, do not attempt to move them until emergency services arrive.

Monitor their airway and breathing

If the person is unconscious, you must monitor their airway and breathing. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Lift the Person's Chin and Tilt Their Head Slightly Backward

This will ensure that their airway is open and clear. It will also help you get a better view of their chest to check for breathing.

Look to See if Their Chest is Moving

Observe the rise and fall of their chest. This will help you determine if they are breathing and assess their breathing pattern.

Listen for Breathing Sounds

Place your ear close to their mouth and nose to listen for any breathing sounds, such as air being inhaled or exhaled.

Place Your Cheek Over Their Mouth and Try to Feel Their Breath

This is another way to check for breathing. By placing your cheek close to their mouth, you can feel for any air movement, indicating that they are breathing.

If There Are No Signs of Breathing, Begin CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)

If you do not see, hear, or feel any signs of breathing, it is crucial to start CPR immediately. CPR can help restore breathing and keep oxygen circulating to the person's brain and vital organs.

Remember, time is of the essence when responding to a stroke. The faster you can recognise the signs, call for emergency services, and provide first aid, the better the chances of recovery for the stroke patient.

Reassure the patient

Reassure the stroke patient by communicating calmly. It is important to remain calm and to speak to the person in a calm, reassuring manner. Tell them that help is on the way. If they are conscious, gently place them into a comfortable position. Ideally, they should be lying on their side with their head and shoulders slightly raised and supported with a pillow or item of clothing. After this, try not to move them. If they are cold, use a blanket or coat to keep them warm.

Frequently asked questions