Escambia County medical director urges residents to call 911 at first sign of stroke

Dr. Benjamin Abo, medical director for Escambia County Public Safety and president of the Emerald Coast Stroke Coalition, urged residents to call 911 immediately if they or someone nearby shows signs of a stroke, saying the condition can affect people of all ages.

"People of all ages don't expect it, but absolutely can suffer from a stroke," Abo said, adding that strokes are sudden and can occur "from childhood all the way to the elderly." He emphasized that "time is absolutely critical" and that delaying care risks brain damage.

Abo walked the audience through the BEFAST warning signs: "B, balance, sudden loss of balance; E, eyesight, sudden change in eyesight; F for face, facial droop on 1 side; A, arms or legs, sudden weakness on 1 side; S, slurred speech; and T, time." He said that when those signs appear, people should "Time to call 911."

He warned against driving someone experiencing stroke symptoms to the hospital, saying, "Don't delay. Don't drive. Call 911. Let us help you and start the care that's needed because time is brain." Abo also noted that every minute of delay leads to loss of brain cells, urging immediate activation of emergency medical services so treatment can begin as quickly as possible.

The presentation was a concise public-health reminder of how to recognize stroke symptoms and the importance of rapid emergency response.