Warrigal
SF VIP
- Location
- Sydney, Australia
I heard this on the radio this week, then yesterday I was sitting beside a lady who had a stroke mid sentence.
F for Face - does the face droop on one side?
A for Arm - does one arm drop and hang down heavily?
S for Speech - is speech slurred or incoherent?
My friend exhibited all of these signs and we immediately called for an ambulance because T stands for Time which is critical if recovery is possible.
I was so impressed by everyone who was present yesterday. We were having a day out in a minibus organised for the residents of the aged care units at the rear of our church. The residents are all self care and enjoy these periodic excursions. We drove north of Sydney to the very scenic Hawkesbury River at Berowa Waters for a fish and chips lunch at a café. To get there we had to cross the river on a vehicular ferry.
As we were just finishing our desserts the lady next to me had a stroke quite suddenly with F, A and S indicators all present. The staff immediately called 000, which is our emergency number and an ambulance was despatched. Because of our location it took 30 minutes to arrive and for all of that time the 000 ambulance operator remained on the line asking questions and giving instructions about what we should do. The minibus driver and a young waiter lifted her onto the floor and kept monitoring her the whole time. I've rung the café today to commend Hugh, the waiter, on his actions and I will be putting it in writing as well. He was truly magnificent - so calm and helpful in an emergency situation.
I travelled with her in the ambulance to the hospital and the whole time two paramedics were working on her while the driver was in contact with the hospital letting them know how she was doing so that once we arrived they were ready and waiting. Meanwhile I went to reception with her handbag to give them any details that I could.
My friend is of Ukrainian origin and her English is sometimes hard to understand but fortunately she had in her wallet her medicare and pension cards and a business card from her current GP. She also carried a notebook full of important phone numbers so I was able to phone her daughter's mobile number to let her know what had happened. She arrived at the hospital not long after me.
I have been thinking about this all day now. It is important to prepare for the eventuality that you may be present when someone has a stroke but it is also important to prepare for the possibility that you may be the stroke victim yourself. I am now going to get my own emergency notebook to carry with me at all times. I recommend this idea to all of you. You may also use the first page to write "PLEASE DO NOT RESCUSSITATE IN THE EVENT OF HEART ATTACK OR STROKE" if that is your wish but the phone numbers of your next of kin should definitely be available as well as your personal and health care details.
F for Face - does the face droop on one side?
A for Arm - does one arm drop and hang down heavily?
S for Speech - is speech slurred or incoherent?
My friend exhibited all of these signs and we immediately called for an ambulance because T stands for Time which is critical if recovery is possible.
I was so impressed by everyone who was present yesterday. We were having a day out in a minibus organised for the residents of the aged care units at the rear of our church. The residents are all self care and enjoy these periodic excursions. We drove north of Sydney to the very scenic Hawkesbury River at Berowa Waters for a fish and chips lunch at a café. To get there we had to cross the river on a vehicular ferry.
As we were just finishing our desserts the lady next to me had a stroke quite suddenly with F, A and S indicators all present. The staff immediately called 000, which is our emergency number and an ambulance was despatched. Because of our location it took 30 minutes to arrive and for all of that time the 000 ambulance operator remained on the line asking questions and giving instructions about what we should do. The minibus driver and a young waiter lifted her onto the floor and kept monitoring her the whole time. I've rung the café today to commend Hugh, the waiter, on his actions and I will be putting it in writing as well. He was truly magnificent - so calm and helpful in an emergency situation.
I travelled with her in the ambulance to the hospital and the whole time two paramedics were working on her while the driver was in contact with the hospital letting them know how she was doing so that once we arrived they were ready and waiting. Meanwhile I went to reception with her handbag to give them any details that I could.
My friend is of Ukrainian origin and her English is sometimes hard to understand but fortunately she had in her wallet her medicare and pension cards and a business card from her current GP. She also carried a notebook full of important phone numbers so I was able to phone her daughter's mobile number to let her know what had happened. She arrived at the hospital not long after me.
I have been thinking about this all day now. It is important to prepare for the eventuality that you may be present when someone has a stroke but it is also important to prepare for the possibility that you may be the stroke victim yourself. I am now going to get my own emergency notebook to carry with me at all times. I recommend this idea to all of you. You may also use the first page to write "PLEASE DO NOT RESCUSSITATE IN THE EVENT OF HEART ATTACK OR STROKE" if that is your wish but the phone numbers of your next of kin should definitely be available as well as your personal and health care details.