Stroke identification:

During a BBQ, a friend stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she was fine (they offered to call paramedics) and just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes.  They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food.  She appeared abit shaken, but Ingrid went about enjoying herself the rest of the afternoon.  Ingrid's husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital.  At 6 pm Ingrid passed away.

She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ.  Had the others known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Ingrid would be with us today.  Some don't die, they end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead. 

A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects ... totally.  He said the trick was getting a stroke recognised, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

Doctors say bystanders can recognise a stroke by asking three simple questions

S - ask the individual to smile

T - ask the person to talk - speak a simple sentence coherently or stick out their tongue (crooked indicates stroke)

R - ask the person to raise both arms

If the person has trouble with any one of these tasks, call 999 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

Treatment for scalds and burns

Cool the affected area under running water for at least 10 minutes.  Remove rings and watches etc before any  swelling begins.  Cover the affected area with a clean (sterile if possible) non-fluffy dressing.

Consider hospital for further treatment.  All burns on children should be seen by a doctor or the hospital. 

Remember DO NOT - Burst Blisters, Apply Creams or Lotions, Use adhesive Plasters or Remove clothing that is stuck to the burn.