A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted. Quick action can save lives and reduce the risk of long-term disability.
How to recognise a stroke – remember FAST
The easiest way to identify the signs of a stroke is to use the FAST test:
F – Face
Has the person's face dropped on one side?
Can they smile evenly?
A – Arms
Can they raise both arms and keep them there?
Is one arm weak or drifting down?
S – Speech
Is their speech slurred or difficult to understand?
Are they unable to speak or struggling to find words?
T – Time
If you notice any of these signs, it's time to call 999 immediately.
Other possible signs of stroke
Some people may also experience:
Sudden confusion
Loss of vision or blurred vision
Dizziness or loss of balance
Sudden severe headache
Numbness or weakness on one side of the body
What should carers do?
If you suspect a stroke:
Call 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance.
Note the time symptoms started or when the person was last seen well. This information is vital for treatment decisions.
Stay with the person and keep them comfortable and reassured.
Do not give food, drink, or medication, as swallowing may be affected.
Follow your organisation's reporting procedures and inform the office or on-call manager as soon as possible.
Remember 🚨
A stroke is a medical emergency. Never wait to see if symptoms improve. Acting quickly can make a significant difference to a person's recovery and may even save their life.
Think FAST. Act FAST. Call 999.