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	Act F.A.S.T. When Signs of Stroke Wednesday is World Stroke Awareness Day
10/28/2008 - Released by Boston Public Health Commission
For more information contact Jennifer Mehigan at 617 343 1164
Teaming up with the American Stroke Association (ASA) and Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston EMS would like to remind residents to act F.A.S.T. and call 911 immediately upon observing signs of stroke. Wednesday is World Stroke Awareness Day, and the most important thing for Boston residents is to recognize the signs of stroke and take immediate action. The City of Boston website will host a video and have a link to a poster that teaches how to recognize stroke and to call 911. “It is crucial that people know when to call 911; if they suspect a loved one has had a stroke every second counts,” Boston EMS Chief Richard Serino said. “Anyone can have a stroke. We need the public’s help to recognize the signs and symptoms when it happens and call us immediately.” Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. and consistently in the top five causes here in Boston. A stroke occurs in the brain when there is either a blockage in a blood vessel or a blood vessel becomes worn down and bursts. Anyone can have a stroke; just ask Tedy Bruschi of the New England Patriots who had a stroke at the age of 31. Strokes are largely preventable by staying healthy and controlling diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol and other blood disorders. Risk increases with age, obesity, smoking, poor nutrition, drinking alcohol excessively, and drug abuse. Learning to recognize the warning signs and acting quickly when they occur can make a difference in surviving a stroke. The most common symptoms are: Face, their face may become uneven, with one side sagging down; Arm, one arm may hang down uncontrollably; Speech, the person may not be able to repeat a simple phrase; Time, if you see someone with any of these signs, call 911. Stroke victims may also have an intense headache and trouble with their vision and balance. It is essential that a person having a stroke gets immediate medical attention; every second counts to help prevent death and long-term disability. According to the Boston Public Health Commission’s Health of Boston 2008 report, there are significant disparities in stroke mortality with African Americans and Asians having higher stroke rates than Latinos and Caucasians. According to the ASA, African Americans are among those least aware of stroke risk factors, despite having a high prevalence of high blood pressure, obesity and tobacco use, making them twice as likely to have a first stroke as Caucasians. When someone calls 911 in Boston about a possible stroke, a Boston EMT Dispatcher will use the Boston Stroke Scale (BOSS) and ask a series of questions to determine if the patient truly has had a stroke. If so, the call becomes a top priority, and EMTs alert an appropriate local hospital that they are bringing the patient, ensuring the quickest and best care possible. The American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, has information for the public on stroke and its risk factors. For more information about stroke, visit www.strokeassociation.org or call 1-888-4-STROKE. For more information to distribute about stroke and other health issues, including videos and posters in other languages, see www.maclearinghouse.com.

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