Acting immediately when a stroke occurs can be the vital factor in determining whether a person recovers or suffers permanent damage. As Stroke Awareness Month approaches, medical professionals have shared essential guidance on managing this frightening situation.
Critical Steps for Stroke Response
Experts have outlined several critical steps to take when you suspect someone is in danger. These rules are designed to help provide the best possible support before professional medical help arrives. There are specific actions to prioritise and dangerous mistakes to avoid during these high-pressure moments. Following this expert advice ensures that the patient has the best possible chance of survival and rehabilitation.
The FAST Check: Identifying a Stroke
The most effective way to identify a stroke is to follow a simple four-step check. Emily Heard, of the Stroke Association, said: "The main thing to remember is the FAST test, which stands for face, arms, speech and time. It's a simple, easy-to-remember test to help people quickly identify some of the most common signs of stroke."
Dr Naila Aslam, of Central Health London, says there's a simple way to check for facial drooping. "If you're unsure whether there's a facial asymmetry, ask them to smile. That will allow you to really see their face because smiling engages muscles and helps any asymmetry become more obvious. It's also a good way of assessing their cognition because sometimes people who are having a stroke can get a bit confused, disoriented and struggle to follow instructions."
Act Quickly: Time is Brain
"If you're concerned, call 999 as soon as possible because with a stroke, 'time is brain'. If you see any of the FAST signs in your loved one, you need to immediately call 999 and don't need to wait until all three signs show up. For every minute a stroke is left untreated, up to two million brain cells can die, and some of the really effective treatments, such as thrombolysis and thrombectomy, are much more effective the quicker they're delivered," said Heard.
Rapid Response: Useful Information
"The most important thing to do is to stay calm, ring 999 and tell them what is going on. Telling them what time the symptoms started can be really useful because it allows the paramedics to be able to act very quickly and make decisions about whether that patient can have particular treatments, such as thrombolysis, which has to be done within four and a half hours, and about which unit to take them to," Aslam said.
Keep Them Comfortable
"Make sure that you stay with the patient and monitor their deterioration so that you can give all the information to the paramedics. Keep them safe and comfortable, and try to keep them upright and their head elevated rather than flopped down. Also, try to keep them awake."
Zero by Mouth and No Medication
"Don't give them any food or drink because patients often experience swallowing difficulties during a stroke, and there's a risk of choking and what we call 'aspirating', which is when food or liquid goes down into the wrong pathway. It's also important to not give the patient any medications, particularly aspirin, before they have been assessed by a paramedic," warns Aslam.
Don't Delay: Symptoms May Disappear
Even if the person seems to improve quickly, you must not ignore the earlier symptoms. Heard said: "Sometimes stroke symptoms can come on and then disappear, but it's really important to not wait to see if they clear up. Even if the symptoms seem to have gone away and you start to feel better, it's still really important to get your loved one assessed urgently."
Do Not Drive: Call 999
Finally, experts warn against trying to transport the patient to the hospital in your own vehicle. "Do not drive the patient yourself because they may deteriorate and you might struggle to get them out of the car. They need paramedics and professional support so that they can go to the right unit, so always call 999," Aslam said.
