What to Do When Someone Is Having a Stroke Right Now
A stroke can strike without warning. Knowing what to do when someone is having a stroke could make the difference between recovery and lifelong disability—or even life and death. Every second counts.
Here’s your guide to recognising, acting, and staying calm when it matters most.
How to Recognise a Stroke
Recognising the signs of a stroke can help you respond immediately and get the person the help they need. A quick way to identify is through the FAST method :
Face
If one side of their face droops, it could be a sign of a stroke. This is because a stroke often weakens the muscles on one side of the face.
Arms
Ask the person to raise both arms. If one arm drifts downward or cannot be lifted as high as the other, it could indicate weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, a common symptom of stroke.
Speech
Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, such as “The sky is blue.” If their speech is slurred, they are unable to speak clearly, or the words come out strangely, this is another sign of a stroke.
Strokes can affect the part of the brain that controls speech, causing confusion or difficulty in articulating words.
Time
If any of the above symptoms appear, call emergency services immediately. The longer the brain goes without proper blood flow, the more damage is done. Every minute lost could result in greater disability or even death.
Additional Symptoms
Other than FAST signs, you should be aware of other symptoms that may indicate a stroke. These include:
- Sudden Confusion: A person may suddenly become disoriented or unable to understand simple questions.
- Loss of Balance or Coordination: If the person is having trouble walking, feels dizzy, or is stumbling, this could be a sign of a stroke.
- Blurred or Double Vision: A stroke can cause sudden vision problems, where the person may see double or have trouble seeing clearly in one or both eyes.
- Intense Headache: A sudden, severe headache with no known cause is another sign. This is particularly relevant for certain types of strokes, like a hemorrhagic stroke (caused by bleeding in the brain).
If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t wait for them to improve—swift medical attention can reduce the long-term effects of a stroke.
What to Do When Someone Is Having a Stroke
What Is The First Thing You Should Do?
When you notice someone showing signs of a stroke, it’s crucial to act without hesitation. The first step is to call Singapore’s emergency services number (995) immediately.
When you speak to the operator, stay calm and explain what symptoms you’ve observed. For instance, mention if they have a drooping face, weakness in one arm, slurred speech, or any of the other symptoms associated with a stroke.
Providing these details helps paramedics assess the situation faster, ensuring a quicker response time.
What to Do If the Person is Conscious
If the person is conscious, comfort them and help them stay calm. Encourage them to stay still and avoid any unnecessary movement, as this can prevent their condition from worsening.
While they are awake, help them into a comfortable position. If possible, have them sit with their head slightly elevated to reduce pressure on the brain.
Do not give them anything to eat, drink, or take medication, as swallowing may be difficult and could cause choking. Keeping them calm and still is one of the most important things you can do until help arrives.
What to Do If the Person is Unconscious
If the person loses consciousness, it’s crucial to place them in a position that keeps their airway clear and prevents choking. To do this:
- Gently lay the person on their side with their bottom arm extended in front of them and their top arm resting over it.
- Tilt their head back slightly to ensure their airway stays open.
- Support their head with something soft, like a rolled-up jacket or a cushion, to keep it stable.
- Make sure their mouth is facing downwards to allow any fluids to drain out, and check for signs of breathing regularly. If their breathing stops or becomes irregular, be ready to perform CPR only if you are trained.
- While waiting for medical help, do not attempt to move the person unless they are in immediate danger. The best thing to do is to monitor their condition closely, provide reassurance, and wait for emergency services to arrive.
What Should I Do While Waiting For An Ambulance?
Stay Calm and Observe
During a stroke emergency, staying calm is not just about managing your own stress—it helps you think clearly and make better decisions. Maintain your composure and focus on important details.
Keep a close eye on their condition. Observe the person’s breathing and take note if it becomes irregular or stops. If their breathing slows or they lose consciousness, be prepared to do hands-only CPR.
You should also check if the person becomes more confused, if their face becomes more droopy, or if they start losing movement in their arms or legs.
Make sure you don’t leave them alone, even if they seem stable for the moment. Their condition can deteriorate rapidly, and being alone could worsen the situation without someone to call for help or monitor changes.
Assist Without Intervening
While it may be tempting to try and help in ways you’re not trained for, it’s important to stick to what you know. Avoid trying to administer any untrained medical interventions, such as performing a medical procedure or giving medications.
You can assist by relaying crucial details to emergency responders when they arrive. This includes knowing the time symptoms began, as this helps medical professionals understand the stroke’s progression.
If the person has any known medical conditions (like high blood pressure, diabetes, or a history of strokes), be sure to share that information too, as it may influence their treatment.
Conclusion
When you don’t know what to do when someone is having a stroke, recognise the symptoms using the FAST method first and call for help promptly. By staying calm and prepared, you can make a life-changing difference during this critical moment.
Like this article? Learn more about the common habits that increase risk of strokes!
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