Stroke

A stroke occurs when a blood clot or bleeding cuts off the blood supply, thus cuts off oxygen to part of the brain. Often a stroke affects only one side of the body.

If the bleeding is in a large part of the brain then the stroke will be fatal. However, many people do survive strokes and make a full recovery.

There are various procedures that you can carry out if someone has a stroke:

• If you are unsure if an individual has had a minor stroke then there are a few simple tests that you can carry out to check
• Ask the person to smile and check for minor paralysis
• Ask the person to stretch their both arms out in front of them and check for drooping or shaking
• If they have had a stroke then constantly monitor their airway and breathing and be prepared to resuscitate
• If the person become unconscious then place them in recovery position
• If the person is conscious then help them to lie down with their head and shoulders raised and supported by something such as a rolled up sheet or pillow.
• Offer reassurance and support
• Call an ambulance if not already done so
• Wipe away any dribbling from the side of their face and be prepared for the person to be sick