As a veteran Allen firefighter and paramedic, Jason Denton knew the signs of a stroke. He just never expected to experience those symptoms himself. He and his physicians are bringing attention to the warning signs and lifesaving treatment for National Stroke Awareness Month.
In early March, after helping with a COVID-19 vaccine clinic in Allen, Denton called his brother as he was leaving. During that conversation, his brother immediately noticed Denton didn’t sound normal. His brother called Denton’s wife, Jennifer, who encouraged him to turn around and seek help.
“From my truck, I got the attention of a co-worker who helped me get back into the vaccine clinic. It was obvious. I was having a stroke,” Denton said. “I had facial droop and I knew what I wanted to say, but I couldn’t get the words out.”
Allen firefighters at the COVID-19 clinic called an ambulance and brought Denton to Medical City McKinney, a Joint Commission-certified Primary Stroke Center. Stroke symptoms can be identified by the acronym FAST.