Strokes are the third largest cause of death in the U.S. Strokes can leave a victim paralyzed or weak on one side of the body. Victims can have difficulty communicating, remembering -- even swallowing.
When I first entered EMS, we were taught that strokes were not important. At the time, the common wisdom was that little could be done to treat stroke once it occurred.
That thinking has changed.
Learn to recognize stroke and respond in time to help the victim. Strokes have been successfully treated within three hours of onset. There is some research that strokes can be treated with an even bigger time window. Knowing the signs and symptoms of stroke may make the difference between emergency treatment now and longterm rehabilitation later.
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