16:00hrs - The EMS outreach coordinator of Tower Health Reading stopped into the Elverson station this afternoon and presented Captain's McCully & Eno with stroke commendations for EHBEMS EMT's L. Plank, R. Solecki, S. Walker and Captain C. Eno for outstanding outcomes of two different stroke patients in the last couple of months.

EHBEMS reminds everyone to learn and remember the acronym FAST (Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties and Time) in detecting symptoms of a stroke.

F - Facial Drooping: Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven or lopsided?

A - Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S - Speech Difficulties: Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.

T - Time: If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get them to the hospital immediately.

Beyond F.A.S.T. – Other Symptoms you should know

• Sudden numbness
or weakness of the leg

• Sudden confusion or trouble understanding

• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes

• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination

• Sudden severe headache with no known cause

During a stroke, every minute counts! Fast treatment can lessen the brain damage that stroke can cause. By knowing the signs and symptoms of stroke, you can take quick action and perhaps save a life—maybe even your own.

Congratulations again to EMT'S L. Plank, R. Solecki, S. Walker and Captain Eno.