January 10, 2010

• Stroke Recognition?

      

       In my position as an auditor in a large fashion distribution centre, I am also required to monitor the place for health & safety. We have had a few incidents relative to over-exertion and fatique. Statistics state that obesity is on the increase; so the following should be noted - it requires only a minute to read.

       A neurologist says that if EMS can get to a stroke victim within three (3) hours they can totally reverse the effects of a total body stroke. The trick is to get a stroke recognized, diagnosed and then getting the patient medically cared for within three (3) hours – which is tough.

       Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. The lack of awareness spells disaster for the patient. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke. Now doctors say bystander can recognize a life-threatening stroke by asking three simple questions. Remember, the three steps – STR. Read and learn.

  S – Ask the person to smile then stick out their tongue straight.

  T – Ask the person to talk saying a simple sentence – “It is a nice day today.”

  R – Ask them to raise their arms.

  If they have any problem with any of these tasks, call emergency 911 and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

  • 5:32 pm
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