1 Lay victim down
Summon help
3Monitor victim
30 FIRST AID
Stroke
An interruption of the blood supply to the brain, caused by a blood clot or a ruptured artery in the brain, is known as a stroke. The effect of a stroke depends on which part, and how much, of the brain is affected. Although a major stroke can be fatal, a minor stroke is not life-threatening, and a full recovery is possible. Whether the victim is conscious or unconscious, it is important that he or she is taken to hospital as soon as possible in order to minimize any brain damage caused by the stroke.
TREATING A STROKE
1 Lay victim down
• Make the victim comfortable by laying her down and supporting her head and shoulders slightly with cushions or rolled-up blankets.
• Tilt her face to one side to allow any fluid to drain out of her mouth, and wipe her face with a washcloth. Alternatively, place something absorbent on her shoulder to soak up the fluid.
• Loosen restrictive clothing around her neck and chest.
2
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
• Acute headache
• Confusion, which could be mistaken for drunkenness
• Weakness or paralysis, possibly on just one side of the body, manifested in slurred speech, drooping mouth, and a loss of limb, bladder, or bowel control
• Possible unconsciousness
Summon help
• Ask someone to dial 911 or call EMS immediately.
3Monitor victim
• Check and record the victim’ s breathing( p. 68), pulse( p. 68), and level of consciousness( p. 12) every 10 minutes until help arrives.
! Important
• Do not allow the victim to have anything to eat or drink.
• If the victim is or falls unconscious, open her airway, check breathing, and be prepared to
begin resuscitation( pp. 12 – 20).
Use washcloth to absorb any fluid