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? 🚑
