Building Psychological Resilience in Emergency Situations: Advice for First Responders
10/06/2024
Life-saving skills: learning cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques
20/08/2024Key points in the event of a stroke
- Recognise the signs quickly: facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulties = stroke.
- Call 144 immediately (do not wait).
- Note the time the symptoms began (critical for treatment).
- If the person is conscious: reassure them, keep them at rest and monitor their condition.
- If they are unconscious but breathing: place them in the recovery position.
- Do not give them anything to eat or drink, and do not give aspirin.
- Continuously monitor their breathing and level of consciousness until emergency services arrive.
What is a stroke?
A stroke occurs when part of the brain is deprived of oxygen and blood. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die, which can lead to severe lasting effects or death.
There are two main types of stroke:
- Ischaemic stroke (≈ 85% of cases): a blood clot blocks a cerebral artery and stops blood flow.
- Haemorrhagic stroke (≈ 15% of cases): a blood vessel ruptures, causing bleeding in the brain.
In both cases, time is critical: the sooner treatment begins, the greater the chances of survival and recovery.
Act quickly in the event of a stroke: why every minute matters
The first few minutes after a stroke are decisive. Prompt treatment can:
- Limit brain damage;
- Increase the chances of recovery of motor and cognitive functions;
- Reduce the risk of long-term disability.
If a stroke is suspected, call 144 immediately in Switzerland, keep the person under observation and note when the symptoms began (crucial information for doctors).
Identify the signs of a stroke: act without delay
A stroke can cause sudden, characteristic symptoms that it is vital to recognise:
- Weakness or numbness in an arm, leg or the face, often on one side only.
- Speech difficulties: difficulty speaking, incoherent speech or an inability to understand.
- Sudden loss of vision (partial or complete), often in one eye only.
- Severe and unusual headaches, sometimes accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
- Balance problems: difficulty walking, lack of coordination or dizziness.
To remember the warning signs, use the FAST acronym:
Extreme urgency → call 144 immediately
- Face drooping
- Arm weakness
- Speech difficulty
- Time is critical → call 144 immediately
Lifesaving actions before emergency services arrive
In the event of a stroke, it is essential to act immediately. Here are the first aid steps to follow without delay:
- Call the emergency services (144 in Switzerland)
- Dial 144 as soon as the first signs of a stroke appear.
- Clearly describe the person’s condition (symptoms observed, when they began and any known medical history).
- Follow the emergency operator’s instructions carefully.
- Position the person correctly
- If conscious: help the person sit or adopt a semi-seated position that is stable and comfortable.
- If unconscious but breathing: place them in the recovery position to keep the airway clear and prevent choking.
- Monitor continuously
- Check their breathing and level of consciousness regularly.
- Give no food, drink or medication (especially no aspirin).
- Reassure the person by speaking calmly to them until emergency services arrive.
Prevent strokes and train in first aid
Prevention remains the best protection against stroke. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risks:
- A balanced diet low in salt and saturated fat.
- Regular physical activity.
- Managing stress and sleep, and giving up smoking.
- Medical follow-up in cases of high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol.
In addition to medical prevention, it is strongly recommended to take a first aid course (BLS-AED-SRC, IAS 1 or IAS 2). These courses teach participants how to:
- Recognise the signs of a stroke quickly.
- Correctly perform the recovery position and resuscitation procedures (BLS-AED).
- Respond calmly in a medical emergency.
Commitment to saving lives
Every minute counts during a stroke. Your ability to identify the symptoms and act immediately can make the difference between a rapid recovery and irreversible consequences.
Commit today by taking a first aid course. You will be ready to respond, save lives and strengthen safety around you.
To develop these skills further, discover our specialised training courses:
