Would you know what to do if a colleague was having a stroke?

People have strokes at work, as well as at home it is caused by a portion of the brain being starved of oxygen. This can be due to:

• a burst blood vessel
• a clot blocking a blood vessel.

The lack of oxygen causes damage to the brain. The long-term effects of a stroke depend on what part of the brain and how much tissue is affected.

Recognition

• Sudden and severe headache that doesn’t go away
• Confusion and emotional instability
• Deterioration in the level of consciousness (this may be sudden or progressive)
• Signs of weakness or paralysis usually affecting one side of the body
• Slurring or loss of speech
• Unequal pupils
• Possible loss of bladder control.

To help with the recognition of a stroke, the FAST test can be used.

• Facial weakness Look at the casualty’s face. Can they smile? Is the face uneven?
• Arm weakness Can the casualty raise both of their arms?
• Speech problems Can the casualty speak clearly? Do they understand what you say?
• Time to dial 999 or 112 for an ambulance.

Treatment

Aims: To protect and monitor the casualty and to get medical help. Conscious casualty

1. Ask the casualty to lie down. Keep their head and shoulders raised and supported with a pillow or rolled-up blanket. Turn their head to one side if they are dribbling. Place an absorbent pad or towel under the casualty’s chin, if necessary
2. Dial 999 or 112 for an ambulance
3. Loosen any tight clothing and continue to reassure the casualty
4. Monitor the casualty’s level of response and breathing until the paramedics arrive.  Be prepared to perform CPR.

About Bruche Associates Limited

Bruche Associates are an established Health & Safety and Continual Improvement Consultancy, which evolved out of the chemical and oil and gas industries. Bruche Associates Limited is a family run business overseen by Lee and Joanne Marsh who have over 35 years combined experience working in Healthcare Medical Services, Health & Safety Management and Training and Development. Lee qualified as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in 1996 before moving into Health and Safety Management with ICI Paints. We work across a range of sectors from chemical manufacturing, engineering, trade & retail, and small & medium size businesses