Monday, December 14, 2009

STROKE: Signs, symptoms, what to do

6.5 million non-hospitalized Americans suffer a stroke every year. That's nearly 3 per cent of our population. The chances of you being present when someone suffers an attack are pretty good. Do you know the signs of a stroke? Do you know what you can do to help?
RECOGNIZE the signs: Sudden numbness/weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially if only on one side; Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding; Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; Sudden loss of balance, coordination or trouble walking; Sudden severe headache with no obvious known cause.
Remember STR: Ask them to Smile; Talk: Ask them to repeat a simple sentence; ask them to Raise both arms. Trouble with -Any- of these is strong indication they've had a stroke.
CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY: They may balk at that, but let the EMT deal with that. Getting a stroke victim proper medical care quickly is the single most important thing you can do. Neurological evidence shows that getting proper medical care within a few hours of the stroke is vital.

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