Act FAST – Know the Signs of a Stroke

Every second counts during a medical emergency, especially when you or someone you love may be having a stroke – that’s when a blood clot or a ruptured vessel cuts off the blood flow to your brain.

For 52-year old Melodie Petrella, knowing the signs of a stroke helped save her mother’s life.

It was a Sunday and Melodie’s mom, 84-year old Ida DeVito, walked to the patio door to let the dogs out.

“Instead of opening the door, she was tapping on the glass,” said Melodie. “When I asked what she was doing, her response was jumbled – that’s when I asked her to sit down, stick out her tongue and raise her arms – she wasn’t responding and it seemed she just couldn’t follow through.”

Melodie worked as a registered nurse in the past but noted it was the FAST symbol she remembered on a friend’s social media post.

“When I saw the post I thought it was good information for people to remember. Thankfully, I was able to put it into practice with my mom and called 911 because I recognized the stroke symptoms.”

Waiting for the ambulance it seemed as though time stood still, but the paramedics arrived in short order to get Ida to the emergency department at Brantford General Hospital.

“There was a lot going on with everyone from the emergency room doctors and nurses to the neurologist working to help my mother,” Melodie said. “Everything was happening so fast and it was determined my mother would have to be transferred to Hamilton General Hospital.”

“One doctor stepped away from the hurried bedside activity to join me in a side room,” she said. "I was a crying mess and appreciated that he wanted to make sure I was okay and to answer any questions. His eyes conveyed compassion and a caring heart.”

It is important to call 911 immediately because the longer you wait, the more likely the stroke will result in brain damage or disability. And if your initial reaction is to drive yourself to the hospital, you should stay where you are and call local emergency services as soon as you notice symptoms.

Dr. Natalia Pastuszewska, an internist physician at the BCHS Stroke Prevention Clinic, points out some people may ignore stroke symptoms, especially if they are more subtle. “Stroke symptoms are not always limited to arm or leg weakness – they may include feeling dizzy, confused or inattention to one side of the body.”

“Family caregivers play an important role and should call 911 right away if they suspect their loved one is showing possible stroke symptoms,” Dr. Pastuszewska added. “It is vital for people not to ignore these signs.”

If you’re not sure whether you are experiencing stroke symptoms, you should still call your local emergency services. Paramedics are specially trained and can assess your symptoms and begin treatment if needed.

Melodie Petrella and Ida DeVito are extremely grateful to the paramedics and the care teams at Brantford General Hospital and Hamilton General Hospital. Thankfully, Ida has made a full recovery and is back home with her family enjoying life.

When it comes to stroke signs, Melodie has some sage advice – know what to look for so you can act immediately:

Face – is it drooping?

Arms – can you raise both?

Speech – is it slurred or jumbled?

Time – to call 911 right away!

“COVID-19 has caused many people to shy away from seeking urgent medical care but my mother is living proof that hospitals are safe,” Melodie said. “Call 911 as soon as possible because time is everything – the faster the response the stronger the outcome in your favour.”

For information about stroke care and services at BCHS please visit www.bchsys.org. To learn about stroke symptoms please visit Heart and Stroke Canada: www.heartandstroke.ca/stroke/signs-of-stroke