Making the 911 call confidently and knowing what happens next removes the paralysis that costs precious minutes. A caregiver who knows exactly what to say and what to expect when EMS arrives can save brain tissue.

Section 01

What to Say When You Call 911

💡 The 911 stroke script
Say these things in order:

1. "I think this person is having a stroke."
2. Full address including apartment number and access codes.
3. "Symptoms started at [time]" — or — "They woke up with symptoms."
4. Describe what you see: "Her left arm is weak and speech is slurred."
5. State the person's approximate age.
6. Stay on the line — the dispatcher guides you until EMS arrives.

Using the word "stroke" immediately activates the hospital's stroke protocol.
Section 02

While You Wait for EMS

  • Keep the person calm and still — agitation raises blood pressure which can worsen stroke.
  • Nothing by mouth — no food, water, or medication. Aspiration risk is high.
  • Unlock doors and clear a path — EMS needs access immediately.
  • Gather the medication list — have it ready to hand to EMS.
  • Note any changes — worsening or improvement is information for EMS.
  • Stay with them — your presence is calming.
Section 03

When EMS Arrives

📋

Information handoff

Tell EMS: exact onset time, symptoms observed, current medications, known allergies, prior stroke history, DNR status. Hand them the medication list.

🏥

Let EMS work

Step back and answer their questions directly. Do not argue with their decisions — they are making real-time clinical calls.

📞

Notify the family

Call the primary contact after EMS has arrived and taken over — not before. Calling family first delays your attention to the person.

Section 04

What Happens at the Hospital

  • Stroke team activation — the hospital assembles a team before arrival when notified in advance.
  • CT scan — immediate imaging distinguishes ischemic from hemorrhagic stroke. Treatment is opposite for each.
  • tPA decision — if ischemic and within time window, clot-dissolving medication may be given.
  • Thrombectomy evaluation — mechanical clot removal considered up to 24 hours in eligible patients.
Section 05

Your Role After the Emergency Call

✓ After you call 911
  • Document everything: time you noticed symptoms, what you observed, time of 911 call
  • Report to your supervisor immediately
  • Contact the family emergency contact
  • Remain available — hospital staff may need information from you
  • Process the event — responding to emergencies is stressful. Talk to your supervisor.
Knowledge Check

Lesson 2 Quiz

5 questions · Passing score: 80%
Question 1
Using the word 'stroke' when calling 911 is important because:
Question 2
While waiting for EMS you should:
Question 3
When should you call the family emergency contact?
Question 4
Why does the hospital perform a CT scan immediately?
Question 5
After responding to a stroke emergency you should: