First Aid for Stroke (Ischemic or Hemorrhagic)

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, leading to brain cell damage. There are two main types:

  • Ischemic Stroke – Caused by a blood clot blocking blood flow (most common).
  • Hemorrhagic Stroke – Caused by a ruptured blood vessel in the brain (less common but more severe).

💡 Act FAST! Early treatment can reduce brain damage and save a life.

Recognizing a Stroke – The FAST Test

🚨 Use the F.A.S.T. method to identify a stroke quickly:

✅ F – Face Drooping

  • Ask the person to smile.
  • One side of the face droops? Possible stroke.

✅ A – Arm Weakness

  • Ask the person to raise both arms.
  • One arm drifts down or is weak? Possible stroke.

✅ S – Speech Difficulty

  • Ask the person to say a simple sentence (e.g., “The sky is blue”).
  • Slurred or strange speech? Possible stroke.

✅ T – Time to Call 911

  • If you see ANY of these signs, call 911 immediately!
  • Time is critical—the faster treatment is given, the better the chances of recovery.

💡 Other symptoms to watch for:

  • Sudden confusion or trouble understanding
  • Sudden vision problems (blurry or loss of vision)
  • Sudden loss of balance or coordination
  • Severe headache (especially in hemorrhagic strokes)

First Aid Steps for Stroke

1️⃣ Call 911 Immediately 🚑

  • Do NOT wait for symptoms to go away.
  • Time-sensitive treatments (like clot-busting drugs for ischemic strokes) can only be given within the first few hours.

2️⃣ Keep the Person Calm and Safe

  • Help them sit or lie down in a comfortable position.
  • Keep them still—sudden movements can worsen brain damage.
  • Do NOT give food, drink, or medication (they might choke).

3️⃣ Monitor Breathing and Pulse

  • If they become unresponsive, check for breathing and pulse.
  • If no breathing or pulse, start CPR immediately.

4️⃣ Position the Person Properly

  • If they are conscious, keep them slightly upright (head elevated about 30 degrees) to reduce brain swelling.
  • If unconscious and breathing, place them in the recovery position (on their side) to prevent choking.

5️⃣ Watch for Worsening Symptoms

  • If they stop breathing or lose consciousness, be ready to perform CPR.
  • Stay with them until help arrives.

What NOT to Do 🚫

❌ Do NOT give aspirin – Unlike heart attacks, aspirin can be dangerous in hemorrhagic strokes (it worsens bleeding).
❌ Do NOT let them sleep it off – Strokes need immediate treatment.
❌ Do NOT let them eat or drink – They might have trouble swallowing.
❌ Do NOT assume symptoms will go away – Some strokes have temporary symptoms (TIA or “mini-stroke”), but they still require emergency care.

Why Quick Action Matters

🕒 Treatment within 3-4.5 hours can prevent permanent brain damage!
🚀 Faster medical intervention = Better recovery & survival rates.

⏳ “Time is Brain”—Every Second Counts!

Would you like a stroke first aid infographic or a stroke emergency response guide for training purposes? 🚑