Stroke

According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is the number five cause of death and the leading cause of adult disability in the U.S. On average someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds and someone dies of a stroke every four minutes.

Would you know if you are having a stroke?

Rideout suggests you use the acronym FAST to help patients and caregivers identify a stroke.

F is for "face droop"; A is for "arm weakness"; S is for "speech difficulties"; T is for "time"!

You should never wait before calling 9-1-1 if you experience even one of these signs of stroke. First responders begin treating for stroke in the ambulance and can alert our emergency department by radio, so that our stroke team is standing by to promptly begin treatment when a patient arrives.