May is American Stroke Month. Make sure your friends and family know the warning signs of a stroke. It could save the life of a loved one.
Remember BEFAST to recognize stroke symptoms. Balance loss. Eyesight changes. Face drooping. Arm weakness. Speech difficulty. Time to call 9-1-1.
With a stroke, calling 9-1-1 can save a life because care starts in the ambulance. Emergency medical techs are the first health care provider in contact with an assumed stroke patient. These professionals are a critical part of the stroke team and a vital link in a patient’s survival and long-term functioning.
“A stroke is a medical emergency so it’s important to note when symptoms started and get medical care right away,” said Dr. David Taylor, emergency medicine physician and chief medical officer at Riverwood. “The classic symptoms are drooping face, trouble speaking and one side of the body, an arm or a leg, not working as it should.
“Medical care for a stroke patient is very time sensitive. If the patient gets care within three to four hours, we can administer certain kinds of medications that can reverse a stroke. We also use telestroke, communicating with a stroke neurologist who is off site, typically in St. Cloud, to view the patient and advise on treatment. We then transfer the patient to a stroke center in a larger urban area.”
Riverwood Healthcare Center is designated as an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital, meeting high standards of care for the initial treatment of stroke patients when quick action and proper medication can save lives and limit the long-term disabling effects of a stroke.
Walk for stroke awareness
Stroke is not only a leading cause of death and disability in the United States but also a community challenge that we can tackle together. Each year, the Minnesota Stroke Association Strides for Stroke event celebrates survivors, unites the stroke community, and supports Minnesotans affected by stroke.
The Strides for Stroke walk is being on Sat., May 18, all around Minnesota, including Duluth, St. Cloud and the Twin Cities. To register or provide a donation, go to https://strokemn.org/stridesforstroke/walk/