By Bob Townsend, EMT-En, Greene County Rescue Squad
Published: May 8, 2008

In 1989, the National Stroke Association received the Presidential Proclamation recognizing May as National Stroke Awareness Month.
The goal of this annual campaign is to ensure that all Americans understand they can “Save a Life” by knowing about stroke risk factors, prevention, symptom recognition and Acting F.A.S.T. to treat stroke. In addition, this is a time for remembering those who have survived a stroke and to let them know that National Stroke Association supports them throughout their lifelong recovery journey. This year National Stroke Association will focus its efforts on educating the public to recognize stroke symptoms, and to Act F.A.S.T.
F = FACE Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A = ARM Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S = SPEECH Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Does the speech sound slurred or strange?
T = TIME If you observe any of these signs, it’s time to call 9-1-1.
The week of May 18th-may 24th is designated EMS week. It is a time were the local community can recognize your EMS providers. The Greene County Rescue Squad has been around since 1968. You can read more about them at http://www.greenerescue.org. the Squad is holding an open house on may 17th from 3pm-7pm. The public is invited to come out and meet the people who give their time to saving lives. Stop in and look around.(see In and around Greene for more details).
Thank you and be safe.
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