R Clay introduced his son, Dr. Andrew Samis.
Dr. Samis is an MD and PhD, a practicing surgeon, leader of the critical care unit (ICU) at Belleville General Hospital, coroner at Kingston, Adjunct Assistant Professor at Queens University and former officer in the Canadian military.
WOW!
Dr. Andrew Samis joined us via Zoom.
He educated us about Strokes, how family and friends can help as part of the team to save and improve lives. Everyone has a role.
There are two types of strokes. About 80% are caused by a blood clot that blocks a vein in the brain. About 20% are bleeders. The lack of oxygen to any part of the brain for too long and the cells deprived of oxygen start to die.
Therefore it is urgent to remedy the situation as soon as possible.
FAST
F - Face, is it drooping?
A - Arms, can you raise both?
S - Speech, is it slurred or jumbled?
T - Time, call 911 asap.
Belleville General Hospital is one of 31 Stroke centres in the Province. Not all hospitals are equipped and set up to handle a stroke. Not Trenton, or Picton.
DO NOT drive to the hospital. CALL 911.
DO NOT wait to see if it will pass.
The Paramedics can prepare the patient and the hospital on route so that the patient is met at the correct door of the hospital for urgent assessment and care. Staff at the hospital will be ready and waiting for the patient, rather than at normal emergency room and triage where this symptoms will just start to be recognized and then may have to send you to another hospital, like Belleville. You have likely lost an hour when time is of the essence.
At a Stroke centre like Belleville, they will immediately scan the brain to determine if it is a clot or bleeder, location etc. This is done in about 5 minutes and high tech program diagnoses the problem.
If it is a clot, they can start to treat with special clot busting drugs or surgery to remove the clot. They have access to specialist neurosurgeons.
Dr. Samis says it is like a NASCAR pit stop.
There has been big gains in recent years to deal with strokes. But it starts with calling 911. Don't wait.
Recovery can take up to 2 years, but most happens in the initial three to twelve weeks after treatment.
R Chris thanked Dr. Samis and commented on the great care received at Belleville General Hospital.