Responding To Stroke: Quick Action Saves Lives

If you suspect someone is having a stroke, it is important to act quickly as strokes are a life-threatening medical emergency. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. While waiting for the ambulance, you can perform first aid. If the person is conscious, help them lie down on their side with their head slightly raised and supported. Loosen any restrictive clothing and check their breathing and pulse. If they are unconscious and do not have a pulse, begin CPR immediately. Do not give them anything to eat or drink, and if possible, write down the time symptoms started or when they were last seen normal.

Call emergency services immediately

If you suspect someone is having a stroke, it is imperative that you call the emergency services immediately. Do not delay, as stroke is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt medical attention to prevent permanent damage or death. Every second counts when treating a stroke, as the brain is deprived of oxygen, leading to the rapid death of nerve tissue.

Dial 911 or your local emergency number right away. Do not drive the person to the hospital yourself; paramedics are faster and better equipped to provide emergency care en route to the hospital. If you are unsure how to recognise a stroke, look out for the following signs and symptoms:

• Sudden loss of balance
• Loss of vision in one or both eyes, or double vision
• Drooping on one or both sides of the face, indicating muscle weakness or paralysis
• Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, where one arm will stay higher while the other sags
• Slurred speech or difficulty choosing the right words
• Severe and sudden headache
• Loss of consciousness

If the person is conscious, help them to lie down on their side with their head slightly raised and supported. Loosen any restrictive clothing around their neck or waist to aid breathing. Reassure them that help is on the way and stay with them until the paramedics arrive.

If the person is unconscious, check their breathing and pulse. If they are not breathing, start CPR immediately. Place them in the recovery position by positioning their arms and legs in a specific way to aid breathing and prevent choking. The emergency operator will be able to guide you through this process if needed.

Remember, time is critical when dealing with a stroke. Calling the emergency services without delay can significantly improve the chances of recovery without disability.

Check if they are conscious

If you suspect someone is having a stroke, it is important to act quickly. Call 911 or your local emergency services immediately. While waiting for help to arrive, there are several steps you can take to check if the person is conscious.

First, try talking to the person. Ask their name and other questions. If they cannot speak, ask them to squeeze your hand in response. If the person does not respond, they are likely unconscious.

If the person is unconscious, move them into the recovery position. This involves placing their arm that is farthest away at a right angle to their body and placing the other arm across their chest. Keep their legs straight and tilt their head slightly forward and down so that any vomit can drain out.

Next, monitor their airway and breathing. Lift their chin and tilt their head slightly backward, look to see if their chest is moving, and listen for breathing sounds. Place your cheek over their mouth to feel for breath. If there are no signs of breathing, begin CPR.

If the person is conscious, gently place them in a comfortable position, lying on their side with their head and shoulders slightly raised and supported. Loosen any tight clothing and, if they are cold, use a blanket or coat to keep them warm. Check their airway to ensure it is clear and reassure them that help is on the way.

It is important to note that if the person is showing signs of a stroke, do not give them anything to eat or drink, as this can be dangerous.

Lay them on their side with their head raised

If someone is having a stroke, it is important to act quickly and call emergency services. While waiting for help to arrive, there are a number of steps you can take to help the person having a stroke, including laying them on their side with their head raised. Here is some more detailed information on this:

If the person is conscious, lay them on their side with their head and shoulders slightly raised and supported with a pillow or item of clothing. This position will help to keep their airway clear and prevent them from choking on their vomit if they need to throw up. It is also important to keep their head raised to promote blood flow.

If the person is unconscious, they should be placed in the recovery position. This is done by taking the arm that is farthest away and placing it at a right angle to their body, then placing the other arm across their chest. The leg that is farthest away should remain straight, while the other knee is bent. Finally, support their head and neck and roll the person onto their side so that the bottom leg is straight and the top leg is bent at the knee, with the knee touching the ground. Tilt their head slightly forward and down so that any vomit in the airway can drain out.

In both cases, it is important to keep the person's head raised to promote blood flow and to help keep their airway clear. This position can also help to prevent choking if the person vomits.

Loosen restrictive clothing

If you suspect someone is having a stroke, it is important to act quickly and call 911 or your local emergency services. While waiting for help to arrive, there are several steps you can take to assist the person experiencing a stroke. One crucial step is to loosen any restrictive clothing they may be wearing. This is important for several reasons and can make a significant difference in the person's comfort and ability to breathe.

Firstly, loosening restrictive clothing can help the person breathe more easily. During a stroke, it is crucial to ensure that the person's airway remains clear. Restrictive clothing around the neck or chest can constrict the airway, making breathing more difficult. By loosening items such as collars, ties, or scarves, you can help improve the person's airflow and ensure they are getting enough oxygen. This is especially important if the person is experiencing difficulty breathing or is unconscious.

In addition to improving airflow, loosening restrictive clothing can also help to prevent circulation issues. Tight clothing can restrict blood flow, particularly if it is left undisturbed for a prolonged period. During a stroke, it is vital to promote healthy blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. By loosening restrictive clothing, you can help facilitate better circulation and ensure that the person is as comfortable as possible.

Furthermore, loosening restrictive clothing can aid in the assessment of the person's symptoms. By removing constrictive items, you can more easily observe and monitor the person's condition. This includes checking for any changes in their skin, such as discolouration or swelling, which may be indicative of more serious issues. Additionally, loosening clothing can provide better access for emergency medical personnel to perform any necessary treatments or interventions.

When loosening restrictive clothing, it is important to act gently and carefully. Avoid pulling or straining any weakened limbs or affected areas. If the person is conscious, communicate your actions to them clearly and calmly. If possible, assist them in changing into loose-fitting, comfortable clothing made from breathable fabrics. This can include items such as silk or satin, which are soft and slippery, making them easier to put on and take off.

In summary, loosening restrictive clothing is an important step when assisting someone who is experiencing a stroke. By taking this action, you can help improve their breathing, circulation, and overall comfort. It also aids in the assessment and treatment of their condition by emergency medical personnel. Remember to act gently and calmly throughout the process, and always seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services.

Check for breathing and pulse

If you suspect someone is having a stroke, it is important to act quickly and call 911 or your local emergency services. While waiting for emergency help to arrive, you can perform first aid. If the person is unconscious, check their breathing and pulse. If they are not breathing, perform chest compressions or CPR.

Check for breathing:

• Lift the person's chin and tilt their head slightly backward.
• Look to see if their chest is moving.
• Listen for breathing sounds.
• Place your cheek over their mouth and try to feel their breath.

If there are no signs of breathing, prepare to administer CPR.

Check the pulse:

• Place your index and middle fingers on the side of the person's neck, just below the jawline. You can also use your fingertips to press firmly but gently on the arteries until you feel a pulse.
• Feel for a pulse for at least 5 seconds but no more than 10 seconds.
• If you cannot detect a pulse within 10 seconds, this is a sign that the heart may have stopped beating properly, and you should immediately begin CPR.

Checking for breathing and pulse is crucial when someone is experiencing a stroke. It helps determine whether the person is conscious or unconscious and guides the next steps in providing first aid and CPR. Remember, time is of the essence when dealing with a stroke, so act quickly and seek emergency medical assistance.

Frequently asked questions