STROKE: Remember the First Three Letters

[This is a modified version of a chain email I was forwarded by ‘Bob in DC.’  This information could save a life. –Andrew Anglin]

Daily Stormer
October 7, 2013

Stroke Identification
Identify a stroke to save a life.

During a BBQ, Ingrid, a friend of mine, stumbled and took a little fall.  She assured everyone that she was fine (they offered to call paramedics), and just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes. They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food – while she appeared a bit shaken up, she went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening. Ingrid’s husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital – at 6:00pm that evening, Ingrid passed away. She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ. Had those present known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Ingrid would be with us today.

A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours, he can completely reverse the effects of a stroke. He said the trick is getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient the needed medical care within 3 hours.

Recognizing a Stroke

Remember the 3 steps: S-T-R.

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.

Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

S *Ask the individual to SMILE.

T *Ask the person to TALK, to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE
(Coherently) (i.e. It is sunny out today)

R *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

NOTE: Ask the person to ‘stick’ out their tongue – if the tongue is ‘crooked,’ if it goes to one side or the other, that is also an indication of a stroke.

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call 9-1-1 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.