In April 2022, Ana Izael attended a training session about stroke at Vera Cruz Casa de Saúde Campinas Hospital in Campinas in Brazil’s São Paulo province. Unlike most of the people who turned up for Angels consultant Karla Trevisan’s presentation about evidence-based stroke care, Ana was not a doctor or a nurse, but an administrative assistant at the hospital.
Ana paid close attention as Karla described how a stroke occurs, how the FAST test is used to detect stroke symptoms, and the importance of getting a stroke patient to the right hospital in the shortest possible time. She had no idea that the knowledge gained during the session would soon save a life that was precious to her and her family.
It was still autumn in Campinas when a short while later Ana drove across town to pay a visit to her mother, Mrs Lazara Maria Machado Miguel. At 72, Mrs Miguel enjoyed an active, independent lifestyle – she took pleasure in traveling and caring for her home where she lived alone. But on this occasion she confided in her youngest daughter that she was having trouble from an upset stomach and a severe headache.
As the two women continued their visit, catching up on the family news, Ana became aware of something odd about her mother’s speech, and noticed a weakness in one arm.
“Face, arm, speech, time” were the words that flashed through Ana’s mind as she recalled Karla’s explanation of the FAST acronym a few weeks earlier. She was now absolutely certain that her mother was having a stroke, and she knew that every minute’s delay could cost her mother her independence or even her life.
With the nearest hospital just 15 minutes away, Ana decided against calling an ambulance and instead bundled her mother into her car. Thanks to the information Karla had shared, she knew that Hospital Municipal Ouro Verde was close enough for her mother to arrive within the treatment window for thrombolysis, provided there was no delay at the hospital itself.
On the way to Ouro Verde, Ana thought about what to say once they arrived.
When they reached the hospital, Ana rushed over to the reception desk and announced: “My mother is having a stroke, start the stroke protocol!” She spoke with such authority that the hospital staff believed her, and Mrs Miguel was admitted without delay.
Doctors at Hospital Municipal Ouro Verde later confirmed that Ana’s quick action was the reason Mrs Miguel would recover from her stroke with minimal impairment. She was soon able to return to her home where, with the assistance of a carer, she could resume her normal routine.
Sharing Ana’s story, consultant Karla Trevisan said it made her and her colleagues aware of the importance of including everyone in stroke training, and not just healthcare professionals. Most people working in administrative and support roles, including hospital receptionists, security personnel and porters, had no knowledge about stroke, but could all come into contact with stroke patients in the course of their work. Equipped with basic knowledge such as the FAST acronym and the fact that time is brain, they too could make a difference to outcomes for stroke patients.
Patients arriving at Vera Cruz Casa de Saúde Campinas Hospital where Ana works, can be assured that at least one administrative assistant is on high alert for the signs of stroke. She is proud, Ana says, that her knowledge could prevent a catastrophe for the family, and grateful that her participation in stroke training helped give a second chance to a life she holds so dear.
