Some superheroes wear capes, but some wear everyday clothes and work beside us. Today, on World Stroke Day, we are recognizing and celebrating the life-saving actions of one of MacLean’s own, Holly Stewart, whose first aid training helped prevent a potentially devastating situation.
Swift Action Saves a Life at MacLean Aberdeen
It started as an ordinary workday for Holly Stewart, an Internal Sales Representative at MacLean’s Aberdeen branch. Arriving at the office, Holly was called to assist a colleague who had become unwell while making his morning coffee. The colleague, part of the warehouse team, experienced dizziness, loss of balance, nausea, a headache, and excessive sweating.
As one of three First Aiders at MacLean’s Aberdeen branch, Holly quickly assessed the situation. Knowing emergency services require specific information, she asked questions about the colleague’s name, date of birth, age, and medical history. Realizing he struggled with basic responses and showed signs of slurred speech and facial drooping, Holly suspected a stroke.
The Importance of Acting FAST
Holly promptly contacted emergency services and, followed the dispatcher’s guidance to perform a series of tests which involved asking the patient to:
- Raise both arms
- Smile
- Repeat a simple phrase
While waiting for responders, Holly kept her colleague calm, minimizing stress as she monitored for worsening symptoms. Her quick response allowed her colleague to receive critical treatment, improving his chances of recovery. After a brief hospital stay, he’s now at home, making a full recovery.
First Aid Knowledge Saves Lives
Reflecting on the experience, Holly shared, “that day, I learned how to put my first aid training into practice in a real-life situation, which thankfully rarely happens. It was also really important for me to remain calm and try to remember the correct approach to take whilst keeping the patient’s stress levels as low as possible.” Holly’s swift action received praise from emergency services, underscoring the importance of early stroke recognition.
Why Everyone Should Know the Signs of a Stroke
Holly encourages everyone to learn the basics of stroke recognition. Knowing the signs and acting FAST can reduce the life-threatening effects of a stroke:
- Face – Does it look uneven, numb, or drooping?
- Arm – Is one arm numb or drifting downward?
- Speech – Is it slurred or confusing?
- Time – Call 000 immediately (Australian emergency services) if you see these signs.
George Breen, MacLean’s Operations Manager, expressed pride in Holly’s actions, saying, “Holly volunteered to become a First Aider at MacLeans 3 years ago. We are immensely proud of her and how she brought her training into a real-life situation, calmly but swiftly swinging into action and contributing to this successful outcome.”
Be #GreaterThan Stroke: World Stroke Day 2024
This year’s theme for World Stroke Day is “Be #GreaterThan Stroke,” encouraging everyone to reduce stroke risk by exercising 30 minutes daily. For more information, visit the World Stroke Day Campaign website: https://www.world-stroke.org/world-stroke-day-campaign.
Promoting Stroke Awareness and Safety
At MacLean, we prioritize safety practices to protect our team members and encourage everyone to be aware of potential health emergencies. Knowing the signs of a stroke and knowing how to act FAST can make a critical difference.
Stay informed. Stay prepared. Act FAST.
#greaterthan #brainhealth #strokecare #strokeawareness #preventstroke #knowthesigns #worldstrokeday2024
