STROKE
STROKE: occurs when the supply of blood to part of the brain is suddenly disrupted or when spontaneous bleeding from a blood vessel within the skull occurs. About 80% of strokes are caused by an acute blockage of a blood vessel supplying part of the brain. (ARC 2016)
Common symptoms of stroke include: numbness of the face/arms/legs, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, loss of balance, loss of +/or blurry vision, headache, drowsiness, confusion, reduced level of consciousness.
Treatment:
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Rest and reassure patient- remember, they may be able to understand you, even if they can’t communicate normally
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Assess patient using F.A.S.T; initiate evac ASAP if applicable
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Pre-empt onset of shock- treat for environment
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Administer oxygen if available and authorised to do so
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Withold food/liquids (increased risk of choking)
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Evacuation: Rapid evac for any patient who ‘fails’ the F.A.S.T test
