First Aid For Stroke
It is crucial to seek immediate help as soon as a person experiences a stroke. However, there is also first aid for stroke, which can help while waiting for professional help.
A stroke occurs when there is bleeding in the brain or when the blood flow is not circulating properly. As a result, the brain begins to fail within minutes because essential nutrients do not reach the neurons.
It is a serious medical emergency. The sooner the professional treatment can be given, the less likely there is to be permanent damage.
First aid for stroke: “FAST” test
If you think you or others may be having a stroke, use the “FAST” test to remember the warning signs:
- Face: Does one side of the person’s face hang when trying to smile?
- Arms: Does one arm hang much lower than the other when the person is trying to lift both arms?
- Speech: Can the person repeat a simple sentence? Or do they stumble upon the words? Are they difficult to understand?
- Time: In the event of a stroke, every minute is precious. Call an ambulance immediately.
The following symptoms are also signs that a person is having a stroke. Some are:
- Weakness and numbness in one side of the body.
- Blurred vision or loss of vision, especially in one eye.
- An unexpected, violent headache.
- Dizziness, instability and fainting.
Other first aid procedures for stroke
When the person is unconscious or unresponsive, they should be placed on their backs with their chin raised using one hand. One should also check that they are breathing, by placing one’s ear close to their mouth, listening to the chest and feeling the spirit. If they do not breathe, try to revive them.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation: First aid for stroke
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a life-saving procedure performed on a person with cardiac arrest. It is good to take a first aid course so that you know the correct maneuvers.
However, it is helpful for everyone to know the basic techniques of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, as an emergency can occur at the most unexpected time and anyone can be a victim.
There are two stages of cardiopulmonary resuscitation that you alternate between:
- Chest compressions: It maintains the flow of blood.
- Word of mouth: This ensures that the victim is still getting oxygen.
Chest compressions take place first, so that the blood continues to flow to the organs:
- To do this, sit on your knees next to the person and place your one hand right in the middle of your chest.
- Then place the second hand on top of the first while braiding the fingers. You have to make 30 compressions with a rhythm of between 100 and 120 compressions per minute.
- After that you have to give word of mouth. One has to breathe into their mouth twice and check that enough air is getting into their lungs by seeing if their chest rises.
- Continue these steps until the person comes to life or professional help has arrived.
What not to do before a stroke
Often we do things that make the situation worse when we try to help a victim. Do not try to relieve the symptoms. It can be a waste of time. Do not give anyone who experiences a possible stroke any food or drink.
How to prevent stroke
When it comes to health, contraception is always the key. Some risk factors for a cardiovascular event are:
- High blood pressure.
- Previously having had a stroke.
- Smoking.
- Any kind of diabetes.
- Suffering from heart disease.
- Age.
The best way to prevent stroke is by avoiding the above risk factors and other harmful habits. For example, in addition to quitting smoking, one should also try to stop drinking alcohol and never self-medicate.
In addition, it is important to maintain a healthy weight, exercise at least 30 minutes a day and eat a balanced diet. Another tip is to check your blood pressure regularly as well as your blood sugar and cholesterol.
One last recommendation is to get regular health checks. It should be at least once a year or every six months for the elderly. If a doctor has given you a treatment plan, you should follow it.
