COEUR d’ALENE — During a stroke, every moment counts to preserve brain function. 

Stroke, which occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, is one of the leading causes of disability and death in Idaho, according to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. 

Patients who receive treatment quickly, ideally within the first hour, are three times more likely to recover with little or no lasting disability. But many Idahoans experience delays in getting to the hospital, frequently due to unrecognized symptoms or not calling 911 right away. 

“Stroke treatments are very time sensitive,” said Madeline Trusdell, Kootenai Health Stroke Program coordinator. “There are certain treatments we can only provide within a certain time of when symptoms start. The sooner someone can get evaluated, the more options we have to treat their stroke.” 

Idaho’s Stroke Smart Initiative aims to reduce stroke-related death and disability in the Gem State by educating residents on the signs of stroke and what to do if stroke symptoms occur. 

Using the BE FAST method, Idahoans can quickly learn to spot stroke symptoms in themselves or others. Watch out for: 

• Balance: sudden trouble with balance or coordination 

• Eyes: Sudden blurred or double vision or loss of vision in one or both eyes 

• Face drooping: One side of the face droops or becomes numb 

• Arm weakness: One arm or one side of the body is weak or numb 

• Speech difficulty: Slurred speech, inability to speak, difficulty speaking or understanding speech 

• Time: Call 911 immediately if any of these symptoms occur 

That last item is crucial. Trusdell said people who notice even one of the above symptoms should call 911 immediately. 

“Unfortunately, a lot of the patients we see come in and say their symptoms started yesterday, thinking it wasn’t a big deal,” she said. 

Patients should travel to the hospital by ambulance if a stroke is suspected. Traveling by private vehicle can delay care because drivers must obey traffic laws and can’t bypass traffic. 

Calling 911 right away means first responders can begin assessing and treating the patient on the way to the hospital. 

“It also gives the hospital a heads up that a stroke patient is coming, so we can prepare resources ahead of time,” Trusdell said. 

Kootenai Health is a Level II Stroke Center, designated by the state of Idaho’s Time Sensitive Emergency System. It’s the only one in North Idaho and treats hundreds of stroke patients a year. 

“We receive a lot of stroke patients from all across North Idaho from our smaller rural hospitals,” Trusdell said.