Recognise the symptoms – save lives
You can recognise a stroke using the FAST test
FACIAL weakness: Can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
ARM weakness: Can the person raise both arms?
SPEECH problems: Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
TIME to call 999.
If a person fails any one of these tests, get help immediately by dialling 999
A speedy response can help reduce the damage to a person’s brain and improve their chances of a full recovery. A delay in getting help can result in death or long-term disabilities.
Don’t ignore temporary symptoms
If symptoms disappear within 24 hours, the person may have had a Transient Ischaemic attack, a mini-stroke, also known as a TIA.
A TIA is still a medical emergency, because it can lead to a major stroke.
