Erlanger’s LIFE FORCE air ambulance crews, City of Chattanooga Fire and Rescue first responders, and representatives from the stroke center at Erlanger Health System educated elementary school students throughout the month of May about the signs and symptoms of stroke.
The “Strike Out Stroke” program focuses on providing students with the information necessary to identify the symptoms of a stroke and act quickly in an emergency situation. The hour-long educational session features videos detailing the warning signs of a stroke, “F.A.S.T.” stroke exam training, and a poster challenge.
“It is important to recognize the warning signs and symptoms of a stroke quickly,” said Jillian McKenzie, RN, SCRN, Stroke Program Coordinator for Erlanger Health System. “By raising stroke awareness in elementary schools, we are providing children with the information necessary to potentially save lives.”
Representatives from the “Strike Out Stroke” program visited several Walker and Hamilton Countyelementary schools. Two students from each school, whose posters best depicted the information and techniques presented to them through the program, were treated to a private pizza party with the LIFE FORCE crew members and first responders.
The Southeast Regional Stroke Center at Erlanger looks forward to working with more local schools next year to educate students about the signs and symptoms of stroke.