Treatment for stroke
Treatment for stroke: If you or someone else experiences the signs of stroke, no matter how long they last, call triple zero (000) immediately. Stroke is always a medical emergency.
Getting fast treatmentfor stroke can be the difference between death, disability and a good recovery. Call triple zero (000) and warn them it is a possible stroke when the ambulance is sent.
Treatment for stroke in the Ambulance
A number of questions are asked while you wait for the paramedics to arrive.
Here is emergency dialogue used in New South Wales, provided by the Ambulance Service of NSW.
- Is s/he completely awake?
- Is s/he breathing normally?
- Is s/he able to talk normally?
- Tell me why you think it’s a STROKE.
- When was s/he last without this problem?
- Has s/he ever had a stroke before?
Post Dispatch Instructions: “I’m organising the Paramedics to help you. Stay on the line and I’ll tell you exactly what to do next”.
Treatment for stroke in Stroke Units
Care on a stroke unit is one of the most effective ways of treating a person after a stroke. A stroke unit is an area in a hospital where there is a specialised stroke team.
Unfortunately not all hospitals have a specialised stroke unit, so you may be treated in a general hospital ward.