Start With Your Heart

Stroke Warning Signs The American Stroke Association says these are stroke warning signs we should look out for:
	Numbness/Weakness. Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
	Confusion. Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding.
	Vision. Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
	Movement. Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination.
	Headache. Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.
If you or someone with you has one or more of these signs, don't delay!

	Call 911 Immediately
Immediately call 911 or the emergency medical services (EMS) number so an ambulance (ideally with advanced life support) can be sent.
	Check the Time
Check the time so you'll know when the first symptoms appeared. It's very important to take immediate action. If given within three hours of the start of symptoms, a clot-busting drug can reduce long-term disability for the most common type of stroke.
	Start CPR
Start CPR, only if you are certified and only if the victim stops breathing. CPR stands for "Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation." It is a procedure you can learn to help people suffering a stroke, among other things. CPR involves a combination of mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing (or other artificial ventilation techniques) and chest compressions. It keeps some oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and other vital organs until appropriate medical treatment can restore normal heart action. The local American Heart Association or Red Cross offers free classes where you can train and certify in this life-saving technique. Visit the American Heart Association site or the American Red Cross site to find a class in your area.