How to Recognise a Stroke
Information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice and you always seek appropriate professional help or seek immediate medical attention for serious conditions. See full disclaimer here
🧠 How to Recognise a Stroke
A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is suddenly blocked or a blood vessel bursts, stopping oxygen from reaching brain tissue.
It’s a medical emergency — every minute counts. The sooner someone gets treatment, the better their chances of recovery.
Even if symptoms seem to come and go, call 999 or 112 immediately.
⚡ Use the FAST Test
The FAST test is the easiest way to recognise the most common signs of a stroke.
If someone shows any of these, it’s time to act — FAST.
| Letter | What to Check | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| F – Face | Ask the person to smile | One side of the face may droop or feel numb |
| A – Arms | Ask them to raise both arms with eyes closed | One arm may drift downward or feel weak |
| S – Speech | Ask them to repeat a simple sentence | Their speech may be slurred or hard to understand |
| T – Time | Act fast! | Call 999 or 112 immediately |
Even if the signs disappear quickly, the person may have had a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) — a “mini-stroke” that still needs urgent medical attention.
🚨 Other Possible Signs of Stroke
While FAST covers the main symptoms, sometimes strokes can also cause:
Sudden weakness or numbness down one side of the body
Sudden blurred or lost vision in one or both eyes
Sudden confusion or dizziness
Loss of balance or coordination
Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
🧭 What to Do
Call 999 or 112 straight away.
Tell them you suspect a stroke — early treatment saves brain cells.Keep the person comfortable.
Support their head and shoulders slightly raised.
Loosen tight clothing.
Do not give them food, drink, or medication.
They may have trouble swallowing.Monitor their breathing and response.
If they become unresponsive but are breathing, place them on their side in the recovery position.
If they stop breathing, start hands-only CPR — see How to Perform CPR.
🧊 While Waiting for Help
Stay calm and reassure the person.
Note the time symptoms began — paramedics will need to know this.
Keep them warm and still.
🩺 Who’s Most at Risk?
Some factors increase the chance of a stroke:
High blood pressure
Smoking
Diabetes
High cholesterol
Irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation)
Poor diet or lack of exercise
Family history of stroke
Knowing your risks and recognising the signs early saves lives.
Learn to Recognise and Respond
DAC Education’s First Aid and Emergency Response training covers stroke awareness, recovery position, and life-saving skills like CPR and AED use — helping you stay calm and effective when every second matters.
👉 Join a First Aid Course
(Delivered at our Suffolk HQ or on-site for groups of six or more.)
Disclaimer
This guide provides general first aid advice for public use. Always call 999 or 112 if you suspect a stroke — even if symptoms fade quickly.