You Can Save Someone’s Life

When someone has a stroke, every minute is vital.  The sooner the patient gets to the hospital, the sooner they can be given clot-busting drugs or other vital treatments.

Not every stroke is dramatic.  Sometimes the signs are subtle at first.  If you know how to spot the signs of a stroke, you can help someone get the help they need quickly.

Here’s the four part quick screening test anyone can perform:

1. Ask the individual to smile. The smile should be symmetrical
2. Ask the person to speak a simple sentence coherently
3. Ask him or her to raise both arms.
4. Ask him or her to stick out the tongue.  The tongue should stick straight out, without deviating to either side.

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call 911 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.