Page 96 - Participant Manual

Figure 5-1. The FAST check for stroke.

First Aid Care for Stroke

If you think that a person is having (or has had) a
stroke, call 9-1-1 or the designated emergency
number immediately. Note when the signs and
symptoms first started (or, if you do not know
when the signs and symptoms started, note the
last time the person was known to be well). This
is important information to give to EMS personnel
because some of the medications used to treat
stroke are only effective within a certain time
frame after the onset of signs and symptoms. Stay © 2011, 2016 The American National Red Cross. All rights reserved.
with the person and provide reassurance until
help arrives. If the person is responsive but not
fully awake, or if the person is drooling or having
trouble swallowing, put the person in the recovery
position and monitor the person’s condition until
EMS personnel arrive.

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