Tedy Bruschi Knew What Not to Do [PHIL-OSOPHY]

Tedy Bruschi, 13-season Patriots linebacker and three-time Super Bowl champion, is recovering after suffering a stroke Friday, known as a Transient Ischemic Attack, or TIA for short.

When a person is having a stroke, even a mini-stroke like a TIA, every second counts. What Bruschi did in those critical moments potentially helped save his life. He knew the warning signs immediately and had to act F.A.S.T.: face drooping, arm weakness, speech slurring, and time to call 911 immediately.

Bruschi has made it his mission to share his personal story of having suffered a previous stroke in the hopes of making people aware of what to do and what not to do, like letting the person go to sleep or talking you out of calling 911.

Many stroke victims complain of suddenly feeling very sleepy when a stroke first happens. Don't give anyone having a stroke aspirin, medications, food or drink. If their stroke was caused by a ruptured blood vessel in the head, you don't want the victim to have aspirin, and a stroke could affect their ability to swallow, so no food or drink.

And then there's the big no-no: driving yourself or having someone else drive the victim to the emergency room. It may seem like a good idea initially, but you're better off calling 911 because emergency responders can start life-saving treatment immediately, and that can make a huge difference.

Thank God, Tedy is recovering comfortably right now at home. He and his family have sent their thanks to the nurses, doctors and staff at Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro for their invaluable help, and I want to share a heartfelt appreciation to the Tedy Bruschi Foundation for his life-saving advocacy.

Phil Paleologos is the host of the Phil Paleologos Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekkdays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Contact him at phil@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @PhilPaleologos. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.