Time is critical in cerebral emergencies

It is with interest that I note Australia’s Stroke Foundation have just released a new version of the F.A.S.T. advertisement.

This is a really important message that improves the recognition of stroke and ultimately gives the patient a better chance at a positive outcome.

Since they have chosen to update the ad, we should again consider what we are looking for in a patient.

Face: watch for signs that the face is starting to droop. Ask the patient to smile and look to see if the result is even on both sides. How well can the brain control the facial muscles.

Arms: pop your fingers in the hands of the patient and ask them to give them a squeeze. Is the grip equal on both hands? Alternatively have them hold both hands in front and see if they can hold them there. This will determine if the signal is getting out from the brain to the hands and arms.

Speech: get the patient to say anything. Are the words clear? Can the patient speak at all? Are the words logical? With this test, the state of the speech centre of the brain is tested to see if any it is affected.

Time: stroke is a time critical emergency and the best results are achieved within the first one to three hours. Even if you suspect a stroke, make the phone call to 000. You are giving the patient the best possible care and even if the tests come back as negative, you have still done the right thing.

There is a commonly used term known as “Payoff” which means that if you have treated for the worst and hope for the best, then the patient gets the best possible care.

Do not muck about if you suspect someone is having a stroke. It is always better to be wrong than allow a patient to suffer the debilitating effects of this emergency.

Always remember to explain to the 000 call-taker exactly what you have done and the results of the tests. This will allow them to understand exactly what is going on and to allocate the correct resources.

For further information ring the StrokeLine 1800 767 583. An iPhone app called Think FAST has been released and provides valuable information to and advice.