What to Do if Someone is Having a Stroke?

In moments of a medical emergency, it can be challenging to know precisely what action to take. When someone has a stroke, response time is critical.

Stroke is one of the most life-threatening problems. It requires careful, yet reasonably quick, treatment. Getting immediate medical attention is of the utmost importance.

But, the first signs of a stroke can be challenging to recognize. It means that if you know the symptoms of a stroke, you have already succeeded. It is the key to saving a person’s life quickly before more severe damage occurs. 

This blog will cover how to identify a person who may be having a stroke. We’ll tell you what steps you should take if someone in your community is experiencing possible signs and symptoms so you can ensure their safety and well-being in an uncertain situation.

What to Do in a Stroke Situation

Do you suspect that someone is suffering from a stroke? If so, the best action is to get immediate medical attention. Don’t wait for symptoms to improve or disappear. 

Yes, it may seem to you that the person is getting better. But, unfortunately, that is not the case. The disappearance of symptoms means that irreversible damage has already been done. In such a case, helping the person is even more complex and, in some cases, even impossible.

Here are some tips on how to treat a stroke victim:

1. Call 911 Immediately

It is crucial to call 911 immediately if someone shows symptoms of a stroke. It is the first and most vital step. This call will help make it easier to deal with a stroke.

Alas, too often, the time it takes for a person to seek help from a medical professional is longer than necessary. It makes his recovery much more complex and time-consuming. 

Don’t hesitate if you notice any of these symptoms in yourself or another person – call 911 without delay! A quick reaction in these cases can be life-saving and crucial. It is because time can be critical in minimizing the damage of a stroke.

2. Do Keep Track of Symptoms

Paying attention to your symptoms is critical. This way, you can help someone have a stroke or are at risk of one. You need to pay attention to signs such as:

• Confusion.
• Slurred speech.
• Deterioration of vision. If the person complains, they cannot see anything or see poorly.
• Sudden numbness.
• Balance problems. 

Tracking the frequency and intensity of these symptoms can help doctors. When they arrive after a 911 call, they will respond faster.

Besides tracking physical symptoms, documenting any changes can be helpful. For example, you can record changes such as:

• Remembering.
• Focus.
• Concentration.

It will deal with stroke management and create a better outcome for the person suffering from a stroke.

3. Talk to the Person Experiencing a Stroke

The best way to reassure a person who has had a stroke is to talk to them. It may be difficult for the patient to understand what you are saying. But in this case, it doesn’t matter at all. It will help him stay calm and relaxed until the arrival of medical personnel. 

Of course, remember that your main goal is to keep the person who has had a stroke safe. Remember that your conversation will not help stabilize the situation. You need to wait for the arrival of the paramedics anyway. But talking will help alleviate the person suffering from a stroke. Every second counts, so it’s not time to panic!

4. Perform CPR if Necessary

CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is an emergency care technique. It is done by compressing the chest and breathing to keep a person alive when there is no heartbeat. What to do if a person has had a stroke and has no heartbeat? Artificial respiration! If it is necessary, don’t hesitate to do it. This way, you can help the person suffering a stroke even before medical help arrives.

It will be helpful if you know how to do CPR. Or if you have taken a course in this subject. But don’t worry, even if you don’t know how to perform CPR. Calling 911 will help you! Follow the 911 operators’ instructions, and you can save a life!

5. Keep Calm

Staying calm is extremely important in a stroke situation. When it comes to helping someone, the best thing you can do is act responsibly. It would be best if you stayed calm. It will help reduce the patient’s stress in the first place! And, of course, it will make it easier to manage the situation until medical personnel arrives.

Remember that time is critical to cut the damage caused by a stroke. Thus, take all necessary steps. You can ensure that the person receives proper medical care as soon as possible! 

What Not to Do if Someone Has a Stroke

When someone has a stroke, it is important to take the right steps. This is the only way you can help the person and make sure they get the medical care they need. Knowing what not to do in such a situation is just as important. 

It is important to remember that not all attempts to help in a stroke situation are helpful. There are several things you should not do if someone suffers a stroke:

1. Don’t Give the Person Anything to Eat or Drink

It is important to remember what to do in a stroke situation. And one of the rules is not to give the person with a stroke anything to eat or drink. It is because it can affect the digestive system. Thus, it is necessary to follow the doctors’ instructions. 

Moreover, swallowing can be particularly difficult for a person with a stroke. So, you should wait until medical professionals have examined him. Only after that can you offer him food. 

Because of their weakened and possibly disturbed state, they may be more prone to choking incidents, so trying different foods to find the easiest ones for them should also be under the sensitive guidance of medical personnel.

Thus, do not give the person with a stroke anything to eat or drink.

2. Don’t Give any Medication to a Stroke Person

It is crucial to avoid giving a stroke patient any medicine. Of course, some people think medication will improve the suffering from a stroke. But this is a common mistake. Should I take aspirin for a stroke? No! Should I take any other medicines for stroke? No!

First of all, wait for a specialist! Only a doctor can tell you if it is okay to give the patient medicine. And they can tell you what treatment a person needs.

3. Don’t Let that Person Go to Sleep

When a person experiences a stroke, they feel sluggish or tired and want to sleep. But it is important not to let him fall asleep right away. Even though rest may seem like the best option, allowing the person to fall asleep can cause severe and irreversible physical health problems. 

Talk to the person, and ask them questions. That way, you can keep the person awake until medical help arrives.

4. Don’t Drive to the Hospital

When it comes to strokes, every second counts. It’s vital to act quickly to increase the chances of survival. It is also crucial to cut long-term damage. 

It is why ambulance services exist. Taking a patient to the hospital by ambulance makes the most efficient use of time. It ensures that the patient is transported safely to get the necessary medical care. 

It is highly discouraged to drive someone who is having a stroke. There are cumulative risks associated with operating in an emergency. It can worsen the situation. Wait for medical help and leave the driving to them!

5. Don’t Move the Person if Unnecessary

Finally, do not move a person suffering from a stroke unless necessary. Shifting may cause extra harm and make the situation worse. Wait for medical help to arrive before deciding to move the person.

It’s best to leave them in the position you found them in until medical help arrives. Keeping the person still is essential for their comfort and safety. It also helps reduce further damage caused by a stroke. 

FAQs 

• Do you take aspirin for a stroke?

No! You should not give any medicine to a person who has had a stroke. You should consult a healthcare provider.

• How to treat a stroke victim?

The best way to treat a stroke victim is to call for medical help immediately. You can also give first aid until help arrives. It is also important not to move or let the person sleep until the doctor comes. 

• What are the four silent signs of a stroke?

The four silent signs of a stroke include:

• sudden confusion of consciousness;
• difficulty understanding speech;
• sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg;
• difficulty seeing with one or both eyes. 

If these symptoms occur, it is vital to seek medical attention immediately. 

• What caused a stroke?

A stroke can be caused by an artery blockage that causes the brain not to get enough oxygen and nutrients. Or an artery rupture that causes the brain to bleed. Other possible causes of stroke include diabetes, high blood pressure, and smoking.