STROKE Assesment Tool

Dear Friend:

Many people are unaware of symptoms related to a stroke. If identified in it's earliest stages, a stroke need not be debilitating, or lead to death. If you witness a loved one or neighbor at an outing or event, stumble, fall, slump in a chair, or just complain of dizziness, PLEASE save a life by remembering the following assessment tool for identifying a potential stroke victim. If an individual does not "pass" any of these simple evaluations, call 911 immediately, and report the symptoms of the stroke to attending operators. Remember, too many Americans die because the general population does not have THIS life saving information and simple diagnostic tool. Commit it to memory today and save a loved one tomorrow!

S *Ask the individual to SMILE. (If they have difficulty doing this, assume a stroke!)
T *Ask the person to TALK . Have them TELL YOU SOMETHING SIMPLE IN A SENTENCE (Coherently) (i.e., Ask them to discuss the weather or your clothing.)
R *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS. (Stoke victims lose the capacity to perform this simple motor activity!)
O *Make them OPEN their mouth and stick out their tongue as far as they can so as to receive a Vinalla Wafer. If the tongue veers to one side, it is a clear indication of a stroke.
K *Give them a rope and ask them to tie a simple KNOT around their neck or any other object of value. Do not assist them if they fall, this is part of the assessment procedure.
E *Be sure they can EXPUNGE a portion of the meal they are eating to remove all doubt of choking, hysteria, or poisoning from a potato salad left in the sun too long. If a wallet can be located, EXPUNGE as much cash as possible, especially since their arms are already in the air. If they try to stop you, they are fine.