Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel across the nation are being recognized from May 15 – 21 as part of National Emergency Medical Services Week. Penobscot Valley Hospital is taking this opportunity to celebrate and honor the emergency medical technicians and paramedics who heroically provide care to those in need, often under daunting circumstances. This year’s theme underscores that commitment of EMS personnel: Anytime. Anywhere. We’ll be there.
PVH CEO Dave Shannon commends the EMS workers adding, “EMS staff at PVH serve nearly 14,000 people in our community, 24-hours a day. These dedicated professionals provide comprehensive emergency care from accident scenes and illness, through transport, to the hospital and beyond. Our EMS staff are dispatched through the statewide 911 system and play a pivotal role in the health of our community.”
Being the first to respond in emergency situations, EMS staff at PVH would like to take this opportunity to educate the community on the importance of recognizing and calling for help at the first signs of stroke. According to the American Stroke Association (ASA), stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and is also the leading cause of serious long-term disability in adults.
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel carrying oxygen or nutrients to the brain is either blocked or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs and begins to die.
“Survival and recovery for stroke depend on a team approach,” said Lisa O’Connor, Director of Emergency Services at PVH. “Bystanders must recognize symptoms quickly and call 911 immediately, so that medical attention can be given right away by emergency medical services and hospital emergency providers. The goal is to help Mainers understand the vital role they play in responding quickly to stroke.”
Every Maine resident plays an important role in quickly recognizing stroke symptoms and the need to call 911. The faster emergency medical services are called, the faster they will arrive to help, and to get patients to the hospital for needed treatment. O’Connor adds, “Stroke is a medical emergency requiring an immediate call to 911, and if we can increase people’s ability to quickly recognize the symptoms and call emergency responders, we can positively impact survival and quality of life among those suffering stroke in Maine.”
Early recognition of stroke symptoms is critical – time lost is brain lost. Stroke symptoms include SUDDEN:
· Numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg
· Slurred speech
· Blurred vision
· Dizziness or loss of balance
· Severe headache
Nearly 75% of all strokes occur in people aged 65 years and older, but strokes can happen to people younger than 65, too. Risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, lack of physical activity, poor nutrition, and a history of cardiovascular disease or diabetes also increase the possibility of stroke. Rapid treatment by emergency medical providers is vital to survival and recovery. At any sign of stroke, EMS personnel at PVH urge you to call 911 immediately - time lost is brain lost! |