George Rojas, a retired CalFire firefighter, recently reunited with the medical team that saved his life after a stroke in November 2023.
"My wife found me and called 911. The paramedics arrived within six minutes."
The Incident
Rojas woke up with a foggy sensation and vision issues. Initially, he believed he was having an allergic reaction. His wife quickly recognized the severity of the situation and called for emergency help.
Medical Response & Treatment
- Rapid Response: Paramedics arrived on the scene within six minutes.
- Critical Care: At Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center, doctors administered tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) to break up a blood clot and restore blood flow to his brain.
- Recovery: Rojas was released from the hospital after just three days and immediately began his recovery process.
Broader Context
The American Stroke Association has updated its guidance to expand the treatment window for patients who wake up with stroke symptoms, as the exact onset time may be unknown. Dr. Adeel Popalzai noted that the window for administering certain treatments has been extended beyond the traditional 4.5 hours from symptom onset.
Statements of Gratitude
Rojas expressed deep gratitude to his wife, his daughters, the hospital staff, and the Chino Valley firefighters. Dr. Popalzai emphasized the critical importance of recognizing stroke symptoms and seeking immediate medical attention without delay.