Stroke. It's a Time Bomb

When you are having a stroke, you are literally starving your brain of oxygen. Every minute counts. Have you ever tried to hold your breath under water before? Your body can not go without oxygen for very long. When the brain tissue is cut off from its supply of oxygen for only three to four minutes, it begins to die. The more brain cells you lose, the more likely you will lose your ability to return to a normal life.

Call 9-1-1 at the first sign of a stroke

Since time is so crucial, 9-1-1 can provide access to an ambulance, which is the quickest and safest way to make it to a hospital. Don't ever drive yourself if you think you are having a stroke. Remember, minutes, and even seconds, often determine whether lies are saved and disability is avoided. Calling 9-1-1 can increase survival, not only by helping patients get to the hospital fast, but also because medical treatment will begin as soon as you place the call. If you are calling on behalf of a loved one experiencing a stroke, the emergency dispatcher can instruct you on how to initiate first-aid for stroke, as soon as you call 9-1-1. Once the ambulance arrives, an emergency medical technician (EMT) can continue administering treatment on the way to the hospital. That's the 'Chain of Survival'-emergency dispatch to EMTs, EMTs to hospital treatment.

New treatments may prevent permanent disability, but only if given within three hours after the first sign of a stroke. So don't blow your chances of returning to a normal life. If you or a loved one is experiencing any signs of a stroke call 9-1-1 right now. Because every second counts!

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