Helping Someone Who is Having a Stroke
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Stroke is among the biggest causes of disability in the world, in fact, according to a study, every nine minutes someone experiences stroke in Australia. The rapid rate could be elevated by the fact that most people do not know what to do in cases of stroke and they end up doing the wrong thing or not doing anything which is as dangerous. However, if you can act quickly in case someone is having a stroke next to you, or if it’s you having the stroke, then you can save a life. Discussed below are the best responses when someone is having a stroke.
- Make an emergency call
Most of the time when you see someone having a stroke you become very scared, especially when it is your first time. The first thing you will want to do is to take him to the hospital. However, that is not right. The very first thing to do is to call an ambulance since they will be able to reach the hospital quicker. Furthermore, they can perform some necessary first aid on the way. Also, when making the call, mention the word stroke so that they may come prepared.
- Make the person comfortable
Sometimes when someone is having a stroke, they get weak, and some or all of their limbs may be unable to move. Help the person to sleep on their side with their head elevated just a little bit. However, if the person has fallen, do not try moving him. You should also loosen tight clothes and remove the shoes in case the person was wearing any.
- Observe and note down the symptoms and when they happen
For better treatment, the paramedics will need to know certain things like, what were the signs? And when did they start? The patient may be too weak to talk, and you will have to be the one to explain them.
- Talk to the person reassuringly
As you wait for the ambulance, it will be helpful to talk to the person and let him know that help is on the way. Also, if you were not able to notice the initial symptoms, try enquiring them from the person having the stroke. Meanwhile, do not be tempted to give them anything to eat or drink.
- Check for breathing
The stroke may be so severe, and the person may stop breathing. You can check if he is still breathing by looking if his chest is rising and falling, kneeling and placing your cheek on their neck to feel their breath, or listening to hear their breathing.
- Do CPR
If the person is not breathing, then you need to do a CPR on him. If you are not conversant with the steps, you can call the paramedics and have them take you through it.
Conclusively, with the rapidly rising rate of strokes, it is vital to be equipped with knowledge of what to do and how to react, because who knows? You might save a life.