Thanks to a partnership between BCEHS and the Heart and Stroke Foundation, over 600 BC ambulances are now sporting informational decals designed to help raise awareness of the signs of stroke.
Stroke, a disruption of blood supply to the brain due to clot or bleeding, is the number-one cause of acquired long-term disability and third-leading cause of death in BC.
The red-and-white decals describe the signs of stroke and what to do:
Face - Is it drooping?
Arms - Can you raise them?
Speech - Is it slurred or jumbled?
Time - Contact 9-1-1 right away.
June is national Stroke Awareness Month, giving local paramedics the perfect opportunity to share the FAST test, which, for a person having a stroke, could make all the difference.
“During a stroke, seconds matter. The quicker you can recognize the signs of a suspected stroke and call 9-1-1, the quicker we can get the patient the definitive care they need,” said Andrew Britton, BCEHS paramedic unit chief. “Strokes can have a devastating impact on patients and families. It’s important to raise awareness of the signs of stroke so that we can hopefully lessen the impact of this disease throughout our communities.”
