Published on May 19, 2016

Every Minute Counts, So BEFAST

This month is National Stroke Awareness Month.

When it comes to a stroke every second you have counts, so you have to BEFAST. Rapid response and learning how to identify the warning signs often makes the difference between full recovery and permanent disability.

Signs/Symptoms of a Stroke:

B: BALANCE ISSUES.

E: EYESIGHT CHANGES.

F: FACE DROOPING.

A: ARM WEAKNESS.

S: SPEECH DIFFICULTY

T: TIME TO CALL 911.

Stroke Mission

Our mission is to provide Christ like healing to the stroke patients in our community with respect and compassion in a safe environment through education, treatment and health services.

The evidence based goals for patients experiencing signs or symptoms of a stroke:

  • Assess the patient in a timely manner
  • Provide rapid and appropriate treatment
  • Establish time of onset of symptoms
  • Preserve brain and brain function
  • Prevent post-treatment complications
  • Reduce residual effects

How can our local primary care physicians help meet these goals and work to improve outcomes of patients experiencing signs/symptoms of stroke

  • Recognizing the signs and symptoms associated with CVA (stroke) and educate patients on Stroke as well as importance of calling 911 for symptoms.
  • When a Stroke is diagnosed or suspected, activate Code Brain, providing last known well time and sending the patients by ambulance or air to St Bernards Medical Center

Those at risk for Stroke, include:

  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Smoking
  • Heavy alcohol or Drug use
  • Physically inactive or obese
  • Atrial fibrillation
  • Family history of Stroke
  • Sleep apnea

For more information on St. Bernards stroke services please visit stbernards.info.

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