Titus Volunteer Fire Department

Stroke Recognition

On the subject of strokes, it came to my attention that there is a very simple way for a layman to know if another person has, or is experiencing a stroke. Time is of the essence in minimizing brain damage so getting a victim to medical care promptly is of great importance. Here is the test: 

1.    Ask the person to smile. (Look for crooked facial expression or no expression at all) 

2.    Ask the person to raise both arms at the same time. (Look for an imbalance or an inability to control a limb) 

3.    Ask the person to say a simple sentence such as "Old McDonald had a farm" (Look for slurring) 

If any or all symptoms are demonstrated, get the person to medical help immediately.  Lives have been saved using this simple method. Sad but true, we are all now old enough to have an interest in such things.