Today we have miracle drugs and surgeries that can make the difference
between going home, going to a nursing home or death, if the patient gets there
in a timely manner. Most EMS systems have an average response time of 8 minutes
on 90% of calls. In our area it's very important to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.
In a stroke each minute cost the patient 2,000,000 brain cells. If you
think you’re having a stroke, please call EMS. Every minute that passes
can make the difference in how well your brain, arms, legs, speech or thinking ability will
recover.
These time frames are very
important; please learn them, and the symptoms of a stroke.
4.5 hours – the maximum number of hours that can pass
between the start of stroke symptoms and the start of clot-dissolving treatment
(called tPA). Many patients delay seeking care, losing precious minutes.
2 million – The approximate number of brain cells
(neurons) lost for each minute delay in restoring blood flow after a stroke.
Earlier treatment is better.
60 – the number of minutes between the moment a
typical stroke victim reaches a hospital, and the moment they get treatment to
break up a blood clot in their brain. This “door to needle time” includes the
time it takes to use brain scanners to tell whether a clot or bleeding is
causing the stroke.
Learn this acronym, FAST
Face drooping: Does one side of the face droop or is it
numb?
Arm weakness: Is one arm weak or numb?
Speech difficulty: Is speech slurred, are you unable to
speak, or are you hard to understand?
Time to call 9-1-1: If you have any of these symptoms,
even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get to the hospital immediately.
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