First Aid for Strokes

Fact Checked

A stroke occurs when the normal blood flow to your brain is obstructed by plaque or a blood clot in the artery which causes the artery to rupture due to the increasing pressure of the incoming blood flow. After a few minutes of being oxygen deprived, the brain cells receiving blood from the artery that is ruptured begin to die. Soon the surrounding the brain cells also start to die. This process may continue for several hours.

A stroke is a serious medical emergency; therefore, it is highly essential that immediate treatment is carried out. The sooner the treatment is given, the higher will the chances of the patient surviving. Remember that every minute counts; with treatment, the damages can be minimized but quick action must be taken.

Causes

• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Heart disease

Signs and symptoms

• Numbness, weakness or paralysis on either side of the face or body including the arms and legs
• Blurred vision and dimness in one eye
• A sudden sharp headache
• Dizziness
• Loss of control-person may fall many times

First aid treatment

It is advisable that you follow the DRABC action plan in case of an emergency situation such as a stroke. Follow these steps:

Danger

Check for any danger that may harm you, the casualty or anyone around you.

Response

Here, you can use the FAST method to confirm the situation:

1. Facial changes: Ask the person to smile. Check for any facial changes such as drooping of the lips or eyes.
2. Arms: Ask the casualty to raise both arms straight. Ask the person to squeeze your hand. An even pressure indicates a sign ofs stroke.
3. Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Check if he is able to understand what you say or repeat the sentence properly.
4. Time to act: If the person is unable to perform any of the tasks, call an ambulance immediately.

Airway

Check if the airway is open and not obstructed by any object. This is possible if the person was eating during the stroke. If the airway is blocked, follow these steps:

1. Kneel beside the casualty and place their arm that is away from you at a right angle from their body
2. Place the casualty’s arm that is near you across his chest. Bend the knee that is near you and leave the other one straight
3. Secure the head and neck and roll the person
4. After rolling the person, bend the knee so that the knee is facing the ground
5. Tilt the head backwards and downwards to drain out any vomit. Clear the airway with your fingers

Breathing

Tilt the head backwards and check for breathing. You can do this by observing the movements of the chest. Is it rising and falling? Place your cheek next to the person’s nose and try to feel any breaths.

If the person is not breathing, follow these steps:

1. Turn the victim to allow his back to touch the ground
2. Tilt the chin upwards, lift it, pinch the nose and give the casualty two rescue breaths
3. Check if the chest rises and recoils
4. If there is still no breathing begin CPR

CPR

1. Give 30 chest compressions with your fingers interlocked
2. Tilt the head backwards, lift the chin, pinch the nose and give the victim 2 rescue breaths
3. Continue CPR by alternating rescue breaths and 30 compressions till help arrives.

Till help arrives

Follow these steps if the person is conscious:

• Allow the person to lie down with the head above chest position. Use a pillow
• Reassure the casualty and make sure he is comfortable
• Loosen tight clothing
• Ensure that the airway is open and clear
• Wipe any secretions from the mouth using a piece of cloth
• Do NOT give the casualty anything to drink or eat

Even if the symptoms are temporary, in case of a minor stroke i.e. TIA, make sure immediate medical help is called for.

Learn More

To learn more about recognize, managing and helping victims of strokes or transient ischemic attacks (TIA) take a first aid or CPR class with a credible provider. A list of credible providers throughout Canada can be listed here.

Related Video on Strokes