Emergency!
Emergency! How a Family Can Help
- If it is an emergency, get help.
- Focus on what you realistically can do.
- Reassure yourself you are doing your best
Why Minutes Count
The benefits of getting to a hospital quickly:
Brain cells die quickly after a stroke.
Clot busting medication, and other interventions provide greater chance of recovery must be given within certain time after stroke.
Every Stroke is different
Calling Your Emergency Number
Get help by calling your emergency number, even if a family member wants to wait. Report possible stroke, or any other emergency condition. If you need a translator, ask immediately. Answer questions clearly to be understood. Do not hang up first: Wait for instructions
Waiting for Emergency Service
In an apartment house: Have someone hold the elevator for emergency personnel. A private house: At night, turn on outside light so address can be seen; if possible, have someone outside to direct rescue personnel.
Emergency Medical Identification
More than 120 million Americans are treated in hospital emergency rooms each year. Wear a universally recognized emblem around the wrist or neck engraved with your personal medical conditions. Don't rely on carrying only a wallet card. emergency personnel don't have time or not allowed to search your purse or wallet. (www.medicalert.com) 800-ID-ALERT provides emergency medical information to any doctor who calls and, by giving your membership number, gets a list of your medications, medical condition from anywhere in the world.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Learning CPR is essential for a family after when there may be difficulty in swallowing. the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association, Ys, independent CPR-related training schools offer courses. For CPR- related information, call 1-877-AHA-4CPR or 1-877-242-4277