A stroke is a disturbance to the blood flow of the brain caused by a blockage or bleed in one of the blood vessels supplying the brain.
It’s vital to know how to spot the warning signs of a stroke in yourself or someone else.
It’s a medical emergency which requires immediate medical attention. Time is critical.
What you are looking for:
- Face – Can they smile? Has their face fallen on one side?
- Arms – Can they raise both arms and keep them there, or does one arm fall?
- Speech – Is their speech slurred? Can they repeat a phrase you give them? Can they speak clearly and understand what you say?
- Time – if you see any of these signs, it’s time to call 999/112
Other symptoms may also include:
- Unequal pupils
- Sudden memory loss or confusion
- A sudden, severe headache
- Sudden dizziness, unsteadiness or a sudden fall
Any stroke like symptoms should be taken seriously, and you must call 999/112 immediately. The quicker you act, the better the chance of recovery.
Below is a Video on the FAST test:
If you’d like to learn more about our more in-depth first aid training courses, please get in touch.
Be prepared to save a life.
