Stroke Awareness – BE FAST!
May is National Stroke Awareness Month, and we want to thank everyone on our stroke teams throughout the Med Center Health system. Patients’ lives are saved through the quick action, close communication and teamwork of everyone involved in stroke care:
- EMS personnel
- ED Physicians, ED Nurses, ED Technicians and ED Monitor Techs
- Neurologists
- Neurosurgeons
- Inpatient Physicians
- Patient Registration staff
- Radiology Techs
- MRI Techs
- Pharmacists, Pharmacy Techs
- Nursing Techs
- Phlebotomists
- Respiratory Therapists
- Transporters
- Dietitians
- Stroke Unit Nurses
- Speech Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists
- Clinical Educators
- Clinical Outcomes Specialists
- Social Workers
- Clinical Informatics
- Clinical Managers
- Nursing Directors
- Marketing
- Community Wellness
- Stroke Coordinator and MCH Administration
Thank you to all those who work together toward the best outcomes for our patients!
Now is more important than ever to get the word out about stroke symptoms, prevention and treatment. Risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity/physical inactivity, smoking and atrial fibrillation. Be sure that you, and everyone close to you, can recognize the signs and symptoms of a stroke, as well as understand the critical importance of seeking immediate medical care by calling 911. TIME=BRAIN!
BE-FAST
- Balance – Have they fallen? Are they dizzy or clutching at something to steady themselves?
- Eyes – Is there a sudden loss of vision or blurring in one or both eyes?
- Face – Is one side of the face drooping or does the face look uneven?
- Arms – Is one arm weak or numb? Do they have difficulty lifting an arm?
- Speech – Is speech slurred or confused?
- Time – If you see any of the symptoms above, call 9-1-1 now! If you can, make note of the time you first noticed the symptoms start.
Learn more at MedCenterHealth.org/stroke.
