Knowing the signs of a stroke or heart attack and how to respond quickly can save lives. Every year, thousands of Americans have heart attacks at work, and someone in America suffers a stroke every 40 seconds.

It's crucial to be prepared for such emergencies in the workplace as receiving quick assistance diminishes the long-term impact of a stroke and increases the odds of reopening the blocked artery in a heart attack. This guide will help you recognize the symptoms and take appropriate action to assist a coworker in need.

Recognizing signs of a stroke at work

What are the signs of a stroke?

Strokes occur when the blood supply to the brain is cut off. To recognize signs of a stroke, use F.A.S.T.:

• Face drooping: Ask the person to smile. Does the smile look lopsided?
• Arm weakness: Ask the person to raise their arms. Does one slump down?
• Speech: Ask the person a question. Do they slur or make no sense when they answer?
• Time to call 911: If you see any of these things, call 911 and say you suspect a stroke. The person needs to be taken to a hospital right away.

Other signs of stroke may include sudden onset of numbness, difficulty walking or seeing, and confusion.

How to help someone having a stroke

After calling 911, record the time you saw the first symptoms and keep talking to the person until the ambulance arrives. They can lie down, but don’t let them eat or drink. If the person loses consciousness and stops breathing, perform CPR. A 911 operator can talk you through this.

Recognizing signs of a heart attack at work

What are the signs of a heart attack?

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart becomes blocked. Men and women often exhibit different symptoms when having a heart attack.

In women, you might see:

• Pressure, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest that lasts a few minutes or goes away and comes back.
• Shortness of breath.
• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
• Nausea, vomiting or lightheadedness.
• The most common heart attack symptom in women is chest pain or discomfort, although women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms listed here.

In men, you might see:

• Chest pain, discomfort or fullness, often mistaken for heartburn. It may last for a few minutes or it may go away and return.
• Shortness of breath.
• Pain or discomfort in one arm, back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Cold sweat, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness.

How to help someone having a heart attack

Call 911 immediately if you suspect a heart attack. Give the person an aspirin, unless they are allergic to the drug. If they become unconscious, perform CPR and use an automated external defibrillator if one is available.

CPR training and workplace safety

Consider empowering your employees with a lifesaving skill: CPR. Offer conventional CPR certification at your workplace, and promote what the American Heart Association calls hands-only CPR. It’s CPR without breaths and it can be used if you see a teen or an adult suddenly collapse in a work/home/park setting.
Quick action can save a life in the case of a heart attack or stroke. Share these tips with your employees too, so everyone in your workplace is prepared.

Learn more about protecting your workforce with Pinnacol’s Safety Services.