Sierra Lifeflight Reminds You to Act FAST to Recognize Stroke Symptoms

For Immediate Release 

May 31, 2024

Sierra Lifeflight Reminds You to Act FAST to Recognize Stroke Symptoms

May is American Stroke Month: Learn the warning signs of this medical condition and when to call 911

(BISHOP, Calif.) — Every year, strokes affect almost 795,000 Americans, killing nearly 140,000 people and forever changing the lives of many who survive. It is important to recognize stroke symptoms and act fast. Sierra Lifeflight, a REACH Air Medical Services (REACH) brand, reminds community members that providing immediate medical attention to a suspected stroke victim can save a life and limit disabilities.

“Initiating a 911 emergency response is imperative at the first suspected sign of a stroke,” said Michael Patterson, regional director of operations for REACH. “Time is brain, and the sooner a stroke victim receives treatment, the better their odds increase for a strong recovery rather than disability or death.”

If you suspect someone is having a stroke, Sierra Lifeflight encourages the use of the FAST test to remember the warning signs and determine if medical attention is needed:

 F – Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

 A – Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

 S – Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Does the speech sound slurred or strange?

 T – Time: If you observe any of these signs (independently or together), call 911 immediately.

Sierra Lifeflight is committed to the health and well-being of the communities it serves. Our first responders promote safety and preparedness to save lives and prevent both injury and disability. Early recognition, quick intervention and new emergency treatments can help stop the brain damage and disability that often follow a stroke. For more information on stroke warning signs and prevention, visit the American Stroke Association at stroke.org.

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About REACH Air Medical Services 

REACH Air Medical Services, headquartered in Sacramento, CA, provides critical care air and ground emergency medical services to communities throughout California, Oregon, Nevada, Alaska, Texas, Colorado and Hawaii. REACH employs hundreds of highly trained nurses, paramedics, pilots and aircraft maintenance technicians to provide service to patients using their fleet of medically equipped helicopters, airplanes and ground ambulances. REACH is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS), which is the gold standard for patient care and safety in the medical transport industry. For more information, visit www.REACHAir.com.

REACH is part of Global Medical Response. With nearly 36,000 team members, Global Medical Response delivers compassionate, quality medical care, primarily in the areas of emergency medical and patient relocation services in the United States and around the world. GMR was formed by combining the industry leaders in air, ground, mobile healthcare services, and community, industrial/specialty and wildland fire services. For additional information, visit us on LinkedIn or at www.GlobalMedicalResponse.com.

News Staff