Know the signs of stroke
It is important to know how to recognize if you or someone else is having a stroke. Calling 911 at any sign of stroke is crucial, because stroke care starts when the ambulance arrives.
Did you know that only 51% of individuals experiencing a stroke arrive at the emergency department in an ambulance? Calling 911 saves precious time because Emergency Medical Technicians (the EMTs) begin stroke care and alert the hospital to prepare for the person’s arrival.
Remember to act F.A.S.T.
A person could be having a stroke if they show any of these signs:
- Face droops on one side.
- Arm weakness. When the person lifts both arms, one arm drifts down.
- Speech difficulty. The person has trouble speaking, or is not making sense when speaking.
- Time is critical. Call 911 immediately.
You may be having a stroke if you experience any of the following:
- Sudden weakness on one side of the body.
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding words.
- Sudden problems seeing or blurry vision.
- Sudden trouble walking or loss of balance.
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Call 911 immediately at any sign of stroke.