The victim has lost consciousness but is still breathing
- Follow the correct procedure when dealing with a casualty who has lost consciousness.
The victim is conscious and is showing signs of neurological distress
• follow the correct procedure when dealing with a victim exhibiting neurological distress
The victim is conscious and showing signs of a stroke or TIA
- Place the patient in a strictly horizontal position, lying flat, or in the recovery position if they are experiencing nausea and vomiting. Nearly two-thirds of stroke patients experience associated swallowing difficulties.
- administer oxygen if necessary;
- measure capillary blood glucose levels;
- to check the supplementary assessment for specific aspects of stroke, signs, risk factors and any relevant medical history required for management;
- submit the assessment to obtain a medical opinion and follow the instructions. The on-call doctor may ask you to look out for other specific signs or refer you to a neurologist to gather the information required for admission to a neurovascular unit;
- closely monitor the victim, paying particular attention to any changes in stroke symptoms, consciousness and breathing;
- protect the victim from the cold;
- Keep the victim in their original position whilst they are being transported.
Stroke patients should ideally be transferred to a specialist ‘neurological intensive care unit’ or neurovascular unit. Early treatment of stroke patients offers real benefits compared with conventional care, with a reduced risk of mortality and long-term complications.