STROKE
CAUTION
IS IT AN EMERGENCY?
RECOMMENDED MODULES FOR TREATMENT
CPR
INJURIES
WOUNDS
ESSENTIALS
WHAT TO DO FIRST
CHECK FOR THE FOLLOWING SIGNS
- Facial weakness—casualty is unable to smile evenly
- Arm weakness—casualty may only be able to move the arm on one side of his body
- Speech problems
There may also be:
- Weakness or numbness along one side of entire body
- Sudden blurring or loss of vision
- Difficulty understanding the spoken word
- Sudden confusion
- Dizziness, unsteadiness, or a sudden fall
how to treat it
CHECK CASUALTY’S FACE
Keep the casualty comfortable. Ask him to smile.
If he has had a stroke, he may only be able to smile on one side—the other side of his face may droop.
CHECK CASUALTY’S ARMS
Ask the casualty to raise his arms. If he has had a stroke, he may be able to lift only
one arm.compressions alone.
CHECK CASUALTY’S SPEECH
Ask the casualty some questions. Can he speak and/or can he understand what you
are saying?
CALL FOR EMERGENCY HELP
Call for emergency help. Tell the dispatcher that you suspect a stroke.
Reassure the casualty and monitor and record his vital signs—level of response, breathing, and pulse—until help arrives.
CAUTION
Do not give the casualty anything to eat or drink; he may find it hard to swallow.
If the person is unconscious and is not breathing normally, begin CPR with chest
compressionsÂ