What information is essential to record for a stroke victim?

For a stroke victim, recording the last known well time and neurological findings is crucial because these pieces of information significantly impact treatment decisions. The "last known well" time indicates the most recent moment the patient was functioning normally, which is vital for determining eligibility for certain treatments, such as thrombolytics, which are time-sensitive. The neurological findings provide insight into the extent and type of brain damage, which can guide the immediate management and intervention required.

While blood pressure and temperature may be important for overall patient assessment, they do not have the same direct implications for stroke treatment. Similarly, while it could be useful to know existing medical conditions and family history, these aspects are less critical in the acute management of a stroke compared to the immediate neurological data and timing of symptom onset. By focusing on last known well time and neurological findings, first responders can facilitate more effective and timely care for the stroke victim.