What is the appropriate action for dealing with a person showing signs of a stroke?

When dealing with a person showing signs of a stroke, calling emergency services and keeping the person still is the most appropriate action. Time is critical in stroke situations, and rapid medical intervention can greatly improve outcomes. When a stroke occurs, it’s essential to minimize movement and stress on the individual, allowing them to remain calm and stable until professional help arrives. Moving the person could exacerbate their condition or lead to additional complications.

Strokes can impair balance and coordination, thus helping someone to walk to a safe location is not advisable as it may increase the risk of falls or further injury. Providing water might pose a choking hazard if the person has difficulty swallowing, which is common in stroke victims. Encouraging the person to talk might lead to frustration or confusion, especially if they have language or cognitive difficulties due to the stroke. Therefore, staying still and awaiting emergency assistance is the safest and most effective response.