All ambulances in Sunrise Health Region now bear a logo with the acronym FAST as part of the new Heart & Stroke campaign to raise awareness of the signs of stroke. The FAST© test is a quick and easy way to check yourself or someone else for symptoms of a stroke:
Face – smile, is one side drooping?
Arms – can you raise both of them?
Speech – is it slurred or jumbled?
Time – call 9-1-1 right away.
When faced with a life threatening emergency such as a stroke, your knowledge and quick actions could save a life. The Heart & Stroke Foundation recommends that you, “Act FAST©” because the quicker you act, the more of the person you save.
“When the type of stroke is identified and quickly treated, there is less injury to the brain and the individual experiencing the stroke has the potential of a better outcome,” said Derek Keller, Director of EMS and Medical Services.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of a stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately. Do not drive yourself or the person experiencing the symptoms to the hospital. An ambulance will ensure that you get to the most appropriate hospital for the care you need, they can also call ahead to ensure that the emergency department is prepared for your arrival.
In order to deliver the proper care, you need to be taken to a hospital that has a CT scanner. A brain scan needs to be performed before any clot busting medication for strokes can be administered.
Knowing the following information that is required by dispatch, can help assist paramedics and the receiving hospital with providing appropriate care:
• Location of the individual experiencing symptoms.
• Stroke symptom onset time if witnessed or the last time you saw the individual well.
• Current condition of the individual suspected of having a stroke and any changes in their condition since the stroke symptoms started.
• Current medications, if known.
• Any additional health problems, if known.
More information about strokes can be found on the Sunrise Health Region website at www.sunrisehealthregion.sk.ca or at the Heart & Stroke Foundation website at www.heartandstroke.com.
