First Aid for Stroke

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to an area of the brain stops or decreases, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and active substances. Within minutes, nerve cells begin to die off and disintegrate. The signs of a stroke and the first aid that should be given will be the same for either type.

TYPES OF STROKES:
Ischemic stroke – a clamping of an artery that supplies blood to the brain.
hemorrhagic stroke – rupture of an artery supplying blood to the brain.
Temporary ischemic attack (microstroke) – short-lived disruption of blood flow.
Stroke symptoms
In order to give the right PmP for a stroke, you need to know the main manifestations. Sometimes the signs appear gradually, but sometimes several sudden symptoms may appear:

Numbness, weakness in the muscles of the face or limbs;
Confusion in visual images, problems understanding other people’s speech;
difficulty speaking;
visual impairment;
heaviness in walking, impaired coordination of movements;
sudden attacks of dizziness;
throbbing headache that occurs for no reason.
If such symptoms occur, call Emergency 103, who will take immediate action with a resuscitation tool for the person.

How to recognize a stroke for sure?
You need to understand what to do when you have a stroke and be able to recognize it in time. Here are the three main signs by which it can be identified:

sudden onset of blindness;
loss of consciousness for no reason;
sharp impairment of motor functions and coordination in space.
What to do before the doctor arrives?

The right first steps in a stroke can save a person’s life. If you think the person next to you has had a stroke, follow these instructions:

Call an ambulance. If this cannot be done, ask someone in the neighborhood to call. Remain as calm as possible while waiting for emergency assistance.
Check whether the victim is breathing. If not, perform mouth-to-mouth breathing immediately. If the victim is breathing heavily, loosen or remove any tight clothing such as a tie or scarf.
take care of the person who has had a stroke, making sure they are in a safe and comfortable position. He should lie on his side with his head elevated, which can be easily supported if he starts vomiting.
keep a calm and reassuring tone of voice.
if it is cold indoors or outdoors, cover the victim with a blanket or extra clothing.
if the person shows weakness in their limbs, avoid moving them.
Monitor the person closely for any changes in condition. Be prepared to inform the emergency operator of any new symptoms. Be sure to mention if the person has fallen or hit their head.
What not to do if you have a stroke
The first aid you receive for a stroke can be crucial to the victim’s life, and you should know a few rules to avoid harm:

You should not take the victim to the hospital during a stroke. The trip will put a lot of stress on the body and may cause the internal pressure to spike again.
Do not give the person aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). This should only be done after a CT scan. The medicine will hurt the person – you can increase the risks, because aspirin stimulates blood circulation.
No food, water, or drinks should be offered. Stroke can cause difficulty with muscle control, including impaired ability to swallow. There is a high risk of choking – even water can be dangerous in this situation.
Skilled pre-hospital stroke care is the result of proper preparation and attention. If you remember the first signs of illness, you can quickly orient yourself and save the person next to you.