Stroke Emergency Care for Seniors in India – Act FAST!
A stroke is a medical emergency, especially for senior citizens, that requires immediate action to prevent brain damage and disability. If you suspect a stroke in an elderly person, follow these life-saving steps:
1. Recognize Stroke Symptoms – Use the FAST Test
- Face: Ask them to smile. Is one side drooping?
- Arms: Ask them to raise both arms. Does one drift downward?
- Speech: Can they speak clearly? Is their speech slurred?
- Time: If any symptoms appear, call emergency services immediately.
2. Call for Emergency Help in India
- Dial 108 (ambulance services in India) or 112 (national emergency number).
- Do not wait for symptoms to improve—every second counts in a stroke emergency.
3. Keep the Person Safe & Comfortable
- Lay them down with their head slightly elevated.
- Do not move them unless absolutely necessary.
- Loosen tight clothing to improve breathing.
4. Do NOT Give Food, Water, or Medication
- A stroke can affect swallowing, increasing the risk of choking.
- Do not give aspirin unless advised by a doctor—it can worsen certain types of strokes.
5. Note the Time of First Symptoms
- Clot-busting stroke treatment (tPA) works best within 4.5 hours—so knowing the time of onset is crucial.
6. Monitor Breathing & Pulse
- If unconscious but breathing, turn them on their side to prevent choking.
- If not breathing, start CPR immediately if you are trained.
7. Inform Emergency Responders About Medical History
- Tell paramedics if the patient has high BP, diabetes, heart disease, or takes blood thinners.
8. Stay Calm & Reassure the Person
- Stress can worsen stroke symptoms—keep them as relaxed as possible while waiting for help.
Act FAST—It Can Save a Life!
Early action reduces disability and increases stroke survival rates, especially for elderly patients in India. Share this guide with caregivers and families to ensure quick and effective response in a stroke emergency.
Healthy Wrinkles is devoted to better healthcare of senior citizens. We hope that Healthy Wrinkles YouTube channel, blogs and healthcare service databases will help senior citizens and also their family members to ensure better health. Knowledge, discussions and demonstrations over here are for the purpose of information only and shall NOT be construed as medical advice. You should contact your health care professional with respect any specific problem or issue.
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