Stroke is a major health problem in Canada. This is a problem that can occur at any time or place, thus it is important to have knowledge on how to carry out first aid for stroke. This is a fatal problem and, therefore a victim requires immediate medical help to recover. In most cases, the problem is occurs due to the failure of the body to regulate its temperature leading to rapid rise to even 40 degree centigrade or more. Some of the symptoms include:
- Convulsion
- Fast heart rate
- Severe diarrhea and vomiting
- Excessive sweating
- Difficulty in breathing
- Unconsciousness for some few second and
- Anxiety, restlessness or confusion.
How to get emergency help quickly
This is a medical emergency and even with instant treatment it can still lead to death. It can also lead to a long term and serious complications in life. One of the most effective ways to get quick help is to call 911. As you call, you need to explain that you are in need of first aid for stroke. This will make the recipient to respond as quickly as possible.
In Canada, there are other medical services who can offer emergency help in such situation. By contacting the, St. Johns ambulance, the life saving society of Canada and heart and stroke foundation of Canada, you can be assured to get emergency help. All you will need is to have their contacts and explain your specific location. In most cases, within thirty to forty minutes most of these medical emergency services will have arrived.
[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1knUsDxjymQ” width=”200″ height=”200″]Carrying out first aid for stroke
After making the call, you should not wait. Here are some of the steps you should take as you wait for emergency help providers to arrive.
- Place the victim in a cool place free of direct sunlight.
- Remove any unnecessary clothing and allow the person to lie on his side in order to expose skin to the air.
- You can cool the whole body by spraying cool water or sponging and fan the person to reduce his body temperature.
- If you have ice packs, apply them to the neck, armpits, groin or any other area where large blood vessels lie near the skin. However, do not immerse him or her in an ice bath.
- Measure the rectal temperature and try to minimize it to about 39 degrees centigrade or lower as fast as you can. Avoid taking temperature through the ear or mouth because this may not be accurate.
By following the above steps for first aid for stroke, it will be easier to handle the situation when the emergency help arrives.