Knowing This can save a life..!!!

My nurse friend sent this and encouraged me to post it and spread the word. I agree. Please have a read...!

STROKE: Remember The 1st Three Letters.... S.T.R.


If everyone can remember something this simple, we could save some folks. Seriously..

Please read:

STROKE IDENTIFICATION:

During a BBQ, a friend stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she was fine (they offered to call paramedics) .....she said she had just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes.

They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food. While she appeared a bit shaken up, Ingrid went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening.

Ingrid's husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - (at 6:00 PM Ingrid passed away.) She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ. Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Ingrid would be with us today. Some don't die.... They end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead.

It only takes a minute to read this...

A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke... Totally . He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

RECOGNIZING A STROKE
Thank God for the sense to remember the '3' steps, STR . Read and Learn!

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke .


Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:
S * Ask the individual to SMILE.
T * Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently)
(I.e. It is sunny out today)
R * Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call 999 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

New Sign of a Stroke -------- Stick out Your Tongue

NOTE: Another 'sign' of a stroke is this: Ask the person to 'stick' out his tongue.. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other , that is also an indication of a stroke.

A cardiologist says if everyone reads this.... You can bet that at least one life will be saved.

disclaimer... I have to say, that advice given on the entire thread is given only in a general way and neither the webmaster nor any member of the forum can accept any responsibility if mistaken advice is given in good faith or if advice is misinterpreted by any person. Thanks Marley.

[ 24. February 2008, 04:40 PM: Message edited by: Marley Farley ]

 

:( Oh, borrowers, so sad to hear that about your sister in law. The body is a very fickle, highly tuned, like an engine, but open for surprises... :eek: Heart problems touch so many of us, but allot of us are not sure what to do sometimes. That is why I thought this was informative.! Oh yes I agree totally, I think we have to live for the day or the moment..!!

 

It is a useful bit of info I agree Dave .. Funny you should say that about brushing up. My daughter & I are going to do another First Aid course to get us up to date.... :eek: You just never know when you might need the knowledge..!

 

Glad your Father in law pulled through IMP. Your predicament there though is sadly where most of us would be I think if we were honest. I felt this was so important & so easy to remember... Well I hope it is! That is why I had to post it. I hope many more members will read it.!

 

IMP, I am the first to admit my first aid knowledge is very out of date. I am going to go on a first aid course & get some up to date knowledge. It's not just the elderly, I am carer to an elderly chap next door, not in the best health. Plus I have 3 grand kids & the antics they get up to, :eek: it would be nice to know I was doing the right thing, not an out of date remedy, as they are not always the best thing anymore..

Kedi, that is an excellent idea about emailing it to friends. I have sent everyone I know a copy now.

 

This is the area affected by a stroke. It shows where the clot forms etc...



I also found this, as Glen said as well...

Suspect a stroke? Act FAST

One of the main aims of the Stroke is a Medical Emergency campaign is to raise awareness of the symptoms of stroke. With over 150,000 people in the UK having a stroke every year, it is imperative that people can recognise a stroke when it's happening and take prompt action


What is a stroke?
A stroke is a brain attack. It happens when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted. Most strokes occur when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to the brain. Some strokes are caused by bleeding in or around the brain from a burst blood vessel.

What are the symptoms of stroke?
To help people recognise the symptoms of stroke quickly, The Stroke Association has funded research into FAST - the Face Arm Speech Test - which is used by paramedics to diagnose stroke prior to a person being admitted to hospital. By diagnosing the possibility of stroke before reaching hospital, it is possible for appropriate referral to a stroke unit to be made as quickly as possible.

What is FAST?
FAST requires an assessment of three specific symptoms of stroke.

Facial weakness - can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
Arm weakness - can the person raise both arms?
Speech problems - can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
Test all three symptoms

If the person has failed any one of these tests, you must call 999. Stroke is a medical emergency and by calling 999 you can help someone reach hospital quickly and receive the early treatment they need. Prompt action can prevent further damage to the brain and help someone make a full recovery. Delay can result in death or major long-term disabilities, such as paralysis, severe memory loss and communication problems.

What if the symptoms go away?
A Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA), which is sometimes called a mini stroke, is similar to a full stroke but the symptoms may only last a few minutes and will have completely gone within 24 hours. Don't ignore it. It could lead to a major stroke. See your GP as soon as possible and ask to be referred to a specialist stroke service. This should happen within seven days.

 

I have made this a 'Sticky' for the mean time, but how do you folks feel about a dedicated 'First Aid' area ?