What is the primary initial intervention when managing a stroke patient?

When managing a stroke patient, documenting the onset of symptoms is crucial as it establishes a timeline for the onset of the stroke, which plays a significant role in determining treatment options. The timing of symptom onset is essential for deciding the eligibility for thrombolytic therapy, which must be administered within a specific time frame from symptom onset. Knowing the exact time symptoms began allows healthcare providers to make informed decisions about the treatment plan and the urgency of transport to a facility capable of administering the appropriate therapies.

While other interventions like starting IV fluids or administering oxygen therapy may be necessary later in the management of the patient, they do not take precedence over the vital need to document the symptom onset. As for calling for helicopter transport, this may depend on factors such as the patient's condition and the proximity of stroke centers, but confirming the timeline via documentation is essential right from the start.