Stroke
A stroke is a serious health problem that happens when the blood flow to part of the brain is stopped or reduced. Without enough blood, brain cells can get damaged or die because they do not get enough oxygen and nutrients. This can cause sudden loss of movement, speech, or other abilities. A stroke is a medical emergency and needs quick action.
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What is a Stroke?
A stroke happens when something blocks or bursts a blood vessel inside the brain. The brain controls everything in the body, such as moving, talking, and thinking. When part of the brain does not get blood for even a short time, it cannot work properly. This causes the person to lose some abilities quickly and suddenly.
There are two main types of stroke:
– Ischaemic stroke: When a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain.
– Haemorrhagic stroke: When a blood vessel in the brain breaks and bleeds.
Both types are very serious and need urgent help.
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Why is Stroke Important in First Aid?
Stroke needs fast attention because the longer the brain goes without blood, the more damage happens. Everyone should know the signs of a stroke and what to do if someone has one. Quick action can save a person’s life and reduce problems later.
As a first aider, your job is to spot a stroke early, keep the person safe, and get emergency help immediately.
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What Happens to the Body During a Stroke?
The brain is like a control centre that tells the body what to do. Blood brings oxygen and food to the brain, so it can work. When blood flow stops, brain cells start to die.
Depending on which part of the brain is affected, the person may suddenly:
– Find it hard to move one side of the body, like the face, arm, or leg.
– Have trouble talking or understanding what people say.
– Feel weakness or numbness.
– Have blurred or lost vision in one or both eyes.
– Become dizzy or lose balance.
– Have a sudden, very bad headache.
Some of these problems happen on one side of the body only. For example, the right side of the brain controls the left side of the body, and vice versa.
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Signs to Look For: How to Spot a Stroke
Remembering the signs of stroke can help you act fast. There is a simple way to check if someone might be having a stroke. You can use these quick checks:
– Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of their face droop or look uneven?
– Arms: Ask them to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward or is weak?
– Speech: Ask them to repeat a simple sentence. Is their speech slurred or strange?
– Time: If you see any of these signs, it is time to call emergency services straight away.
These checks help you find out if someone might be having a stroke quickly. The faster you act, the better the chance for the person.
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What to Do if You Think Someone is Having a Stroke
If you think someone is having a stroke, do the following right away:
1. Call 000 – This is the emergency phone number in Australia. Tell the operator you think someone is having a stroke.
2. Stay calm and keep the person safe.
3. Make them comfortable – Help them to sit or lie down, keeping their head and shoulders slightly raised if possible.
4. Reassure the person – Tell them help is on the way and stay with them.
5. Don’t give them anything to eat or drink – Swallowing might be difficult, and giving food or drinks could cause choking.
6. Watch the person closely – Note if their condition changes while you wait for help.
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When to Call Emergency Services
Call emergency services immediately by dialling 000 if you see any signs of stroke. Time is very important because doctors can give treatments that may stop the stroke from getting worse if given quickly. If the person becomes unconscious or stops breathing, call 000 and start CPR if you know how.
Never wait to see if the symptoms get better. Even if the person feels okay later, they still need urgent medical help.
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Why Fast Treatment Helps
The brain needs blood to work well. When blood flow stops, brain cells start to die quickly. Doctors have special treatments they can give in hospital to unblock blood vessels or stop bleeding. These treatments must happen within a few hours after the stroke starts.
The faster emergency care begins, the more brain cells can be saved. This may help the person get better and avoid problems like being weak or having trouble talking for the rest of their life.
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How to Stay Safe Around Someone Having a Stroke
If you are helping someone you think is having a stroke:
– Stay calm and speak gently.
– Avoid moving the person unless they are in danger.
– Keep them warm and comfortable.
– Watch their breathing and level of consciousness.
– Be ready to give important information to emergency workers when they arrive.
If the person loses consciousness or stops breathing, call 000 immediately and begin CPR if you know how.
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What Causes a Stroke?
A stroke can happen to anyone but is more common in older people. Some things increase the risk, like:
– High blood pressure (hypertension)
– Heart problems
– Smoking
– Diabetes
– Being overweight
– Not enough exercise
– Unhealthy eating
Knowing these risks is helpful to reduce chances of stroke, but anyone can have one suddenly.
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What Happens After a Stroke?
After a stroke, the person may need hospital care and support. Some people recover fully with time and help. Others may have difficulties moving, speaking, or taking care of themselves.
Early treatment and rehabilitation help people get stronger and improve their skills after a stroke.
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Stroke in Children and Young People
Although stroke is more common in older adults, children and young people can have strokes too. The signs are similar. If you see sudden weakness, trouble speaking, or other stroke signs in a child or young person, call emergency services at once.
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Summary
A stroke is a sudden, serious problem that happens when blood flow to the brain stops or is blocked. It can cause sudden weakness, trouble talking, or loss of vision. Stroke is an emergency and needs quick action.
Look for the signs: face drooping, arm weakness, and speech difficulties. If you see these signs, call 000 immediately.
Stay calm, keep the person safe and comfortable, don’t give food or drink, and wait for emergency help.
Fast treatment can save lives and reduce damage. Knowing what a stroke is and what to do can help you keep someone safe in an emergency.
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Remember, if you see any stroke signs, call 000 straight away. Every minute counts.