New test for stroke recognition

Campbell Cameron from Oban FM and our Motorsport Editor has passed on this latest advice on stroke recognition.

Speed of recognition and prompt call for help are twin keys to saving lives in such circumstances.

There are – now – four tests to apply in accurately identifying a stroke. If the person in question has any difficulty in performing any of these accurately, you should call 999 and describe the situation to the dispatcher.

The new acronym reminding you of these four tests is: STRS.

• S = SMILE: ask the person affected to smile.
• T = TALK: ask the person to talk – repeat a simple sentence coherently (Suggestion: ‘It is sunny out today’.).
• R = RAISE: ask the person to raise both arms.
• S = STICK: ask the person to stick out their tongue. (If the tongue is ‘crooked’or if it goes to one side or the other, that too is an indication of a stroke.)

A cardiologisg has said that if everyone who receives this advice, gives it to ten more people, at least one life will be saved.

Cameron is certainly doing his bit. Pass it on.