Teen's Nursing Skills Save Her From Stroke

Gretl Talbot, an 18-year-old from Utah, experienced a stroke on February 21st. Her training as a certified nursing assistant enabled her to quickly identify the stroke symptoms, including facial drooping and arm weakness. Gretl utilized the FAST acronym, a medical mnemonic for stroke recognition, to confirm her condition. She alerted her sister, leading to a swift ambulance response and timely administration of clot-busting medication. Doctors later discovered Gretl had a congenital heart disorder, a condition she had suspected for months. Despite multiple doctor visits, her concerns had been dismissed. Gretl hopes her story raises awareness about stroke symptoms, including the BEFAST acronym which adds balance and vision changes, and encourages prompt medical attention, especially for young individuals. Her sister has since launched a GoFundMe to cover medical expenses.