There is another reason to watch for ambulances driving the streets of the North Okanagan.
The B.C. Ambulance Service has partnered with the Heart and Stroke Foundation to raise awareness of the signs of stroke with new FAST informational decals pasted onto the exterior of its ambulances.
“During a stroke, seconds matter. The quicker you can recognize the signs of a suspected stroke and call 911, the quicker we can get the patient the definitive care they need,” said Toby McLeod, BCAS paramedic unit chief in Armstrong.
“Strokes can have a devastating impact on patients and families. I’m glad we are helping raise awareness of the signs of stroke so that we can hopefully lessen the impact of this disease in our community.”
June is National Stoke Awareness Month and the FAST mnemonic can assist with recognizing the symptoms and what action to take, specifically:
Face – is it drooping?
Arm – can you raise them?
Speech – is it slurred or jumbled?
Time – contact 911 right away.
“Calling 911 in the event of a suspected stroke is imperative,” said McLeod.
“BCAS paramedics know how to quickly diagnose stroke and address the urgent health care needs of patient. They also know which hospitals can provide the most appropriate stroke treatment for the patient and alert hospitals of an incoming stroke patient to streamline access to definitive treatment.”
For more information on FAST, go to www.heartandstroke.ca/stroke/signs-of-stroke
