ST JOHN AMBULANCE: How to recognise and deal with a stroke

St John Ambulance, the nation’s leading first aid charity, has teamed up with the Littlehampton Gazette to bring you some simple, but life saving, first aid tips. This week: recognising and dealing with a stroke.
By The Newsroom
Published 20th Sep 2015, 15:00 BST

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Long-term effects of a stroke depend on what part of the brain and how much tissue is affectedLong-term effects of a stroke depend on what part of the brain and how much tissue is affected
Long-term effects of a stroke depend on what part of the brain and how much tissue is affected

A stroke is caused by a portion of the brain being starved of oxygen.

This can be due to a burst blood vessel or a clot blocking a blood vessel.

The lack of oxygen causes damage to the brain.

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The long-term effects of a stroke depend on what part of the brain and how much tissue is affected.

To recognise if someone has suffered a stroke, use the FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) test:

• Ask them to smile.

• If they have had a stroke, they may only be able to smile on one side, the other side of the mouth may droop.

• Ask them to raise both arms.

• If they have had a stroke, they may only be able to lift one arm.

• Ask them to speak.

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• If they have had a stroke, they may struggle to respond appropriately.

• Call 999/112 for emergency help and tell the operator you have used the FAST test and suspect a stroke.

• Keep the casualty comfortable and supported. If the casualty is conscious, you can help him to lie down. Reassure him that help is on its way.

• Monitor and record vital signs – level of response, breathing and pulse while waiting for help to arrive.

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• Do not give the casualty anything to eat or drink as it may be difficult for him to swallow.

• For those looking for quick, easily accessible first aid information, the St John Ambulance app is available free on smartphones and the website (www.sja.org.uk) offers demo videos, an interactive game, and lots of free advice. For more information about first aid courses please call 0303 003 0101.

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