Stockbridge, Ga -- It was a typical day for Terry “Sturgis” Fields, working as an HVAC service technician on a hospital expansion project at Piedmont Henry Hospital. In just a few months, the husband and father of three was planning to celebrate his 60th birthday, a major milestone for anyone.
However, in just a few minutes, everything changed.
While putting labels on the job site – typically an easy task for Fields – a co-worker noticed something was wrong with him.
“He kept saying that I was acting funny and slurring my words,” Fields said. “But I’m a very stubborn person and didn’t think anything was wrong.”
Concerned that Fields needed urgent medical attention, the co-worker told a supervisor what he suspected.
Though not medically trained, Reed Spencer, a construction supervisor, had seen the stroke awareness campaign flyers plastered inside elevators throughout the hospital. Based on Fields’ symptoms, Spencer was sure he was having a stroke.
“There was no doubt,” Spencer said of that moment in September in 2018. “I’ve seen the stroke flyers in the elevator. And he was displaying classic symptoms of a stroke.”
Those classic symptoms are spelled out as "F.A.S.T” and include “Face — look for an uneven smile; Arms — check if one arm is weak; Speech — listen for slurred speech and Time — Call 911 right away.”
Spencer ran to a nearby nurses’ station, explaining what happened, and the staff immediately sprang into action. Fields was brought to the Piedmont Henry Emergency Department (ED), where the medical team made a stroke assessment and began treatment. He was administered the tPA (tissue plasminogen activator), known as the "clot-buster,” a medication that dissolves blood clots. When tPA is administered promptly, it can save lives and reduce long-term effects of stroke.
“The quicker we are able to administer the tPA, the better the outcome,” said Bill Dewerft, a physician assistant neurohospitalist at Piedmont Henry who examined Fields and ordered his tPA. “The entire team recognized the urgency of the situation and wasted no time in diagnosing and treating him.”
Once stabilized, Fields was moved to Piedmont Henry’s intensive care unit (ICU), where he stayed for several days while recovering from his stroke. He was able to return home in a week.
Since his medical scare, Fields has worked hard to recover and regain his strength, returning to work in just one month. He understands how fortunate he is and hopes his story raises awareness about the signs and symptoms of stroke.
“I’m thankful that I had good people around me that noticed something strange that day,” Fields said. “If I had been home when this happened, I probably wouldn’t have made it. I realize how important it is to get your symptoms checked out, even when you think that it’s just old age or forgetfulness. It can save your life.”
Stroke, also referred to as a “brain attack,” can happen to anyone, regardless of age, race or gender. Each year approximately 800,000 people experience a stroke, according to the National Stroke Association. Jay Connelly, stroke program manager at Piedmont Henry, said a comprehensive stroke center like Piedmont Henry is critical in ensuring appropriate and timely stroke care for patients like Fields.
“The quicker you recognize the symptoms and call 9-1-1, the better chance the victim has for survival and full recovery,” said Connelly. “We have a tremendous amount of outreach in the community, training patients, local high school students and residents to recognize the warning signs and symptoms of a stroke, as well as the appropriate response to help save a life. And we’re seeing a significant increase in the number of stroke patients arriving within the window by EMS as a result of these efforts.”