NATIONAL STROKE DAY 29-10-2011

National stroke day.  29-10-2011

Over 150,000 people a year experience a Stroke or TIA (Transient Ischaemic Attack) this equates to 1 stroke every 5 minutes.

Would you be able to recognise the signs and symptoms? Know how to look after someone?

We hope that the information here will be interesting and helpful to you.  However we would recommend that you attend a full first aid course. Medic 1 run courses throughout the Uk, as well as at our Training Centre in North Wales.

For many people a stroke will happen without warning and the effects on the body are often immediate. A stroke is where the brain’s blood supply is cut off due to an occlusion, such as a blood clot (ischaemic stroke) or where there is a bleed (haemorrhagic stroke)

The most common of the two types is the ischaemic stroke which accounts for a staggering 80% of strokes encountered worldwide.

What are the signs and symptoms of a stroke?

Signs and symptoms of a stroke or TIA can include:

Numbness

Weakness or paralysis to one side of the body – the paralysis will depend on which side of the brain  has been traumatised.

The patient could experience blurred vision and/or loss of sight   

Patient may be confused or unsteady

If you suspect a stroke, act FAST

Face – Is there any facial weakness?

Arms – Is there any weakness in the arms? Ask them to hold their arms up. Does one arm drop?

Speech – Is their speech slurred?

Time – Time to dial 999 and act FAST

As well as the courses listed on our training pages, we are able to facilitae many specialist courses.  

For information about any of our courses please contact us