(NC) — Time is everything during a stroke.
Stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is cut off. Brain cells die at a rate of two million per minute after a stroke, so the sooner blood flow can be restored, the better the chance of survival – with little or no disability.
It is important for Canadians to learn the signs of stroke and know what to do.
FAST is an easy and memorable way to remember the major signs of stroke:
Face – is it drooping?
Arms – can you raise them?
Speech - is it slurred or jumbled?
Time – to call 9-1-1 right away.
As soon as you recognize a stroke sign, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number and tell them you are having or witnessing a stroke. Arriving by ambulance means you will get to the right hospital faster – one that is equipped to provide emergency stroke care.
Not all hospitals have the capacity to administer clot busting drugs, which can stop or reverse the effects of stroke. The emergency medical services will be able to determine which hospital in your area can best help.
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in Canada and a leading cause of disability. There are an estimated 62,000 strokes in Canada each year. That is one stroke every nine minutes.
For more information visit heartandstroke.ca
