Holland Hospital Encourages Community Engagement
Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability that occurs without warning. Rapid appropriate treatment is essential, so everyone should recognize the signs of a stroke and call 911 immediately. Yet, stroke victims often wait or try to drive to the hospital themselves – delaying vital care.
“First and foremost, if you think you’re having a stroke, or someone you love is having one, the most important thing you can do is CALL 911. Do not delay. EMS responders notify the emergency department and stroke response goes into action even before you arrive,” said Dr. Sandip Kothari, Medical Director of Holland Hospital Stroke Center. “When it comes to stroke, time lost is brain lost—so the faster you receive care, the better your chances of recovery.”
To address the challenge, Holland Hospital Stroke Center has launched a multi-pronged community engagement campaign to raise awareness and prompt quick action. The key message is captured in the acronym B.E.F.A.S.T. which highlights the common signs of stroke - Balance, Eyes, Face, Arm, Speech and T for “Time to call 911”. Learn more about B.E.F.A.S.T on our stroke education page.
Holland Hospital is launching a variety of communication tactics to help get the message out to the community including social media, videos, physician presentations, website resources, reminder magnets and an interactive program designed just for children. Sharing the new custom animated video – especially on social media channels – is proving to be an effective method to reach a broad audience with this important information. Watch these videos on stroke and on heart attack symptoms for men and women. Then tell a friend or relative.