If the person is unresponsive, not breathing normally, or you are unsure — call your local emergency number NOW, before anything else.
Stroke — Act FAST
A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or a blood vessel bursts. Fast treatment can reduce brain damage and improve the chance of recovery, so treat sudden stroke signs as a medical emergency.
Call emergency services immediately if…
- One side of the face droops, the person cannot lift one arm normally, or speech is slurred or strange
- Sudden confusion, trouble understanding, or sudden trouble speaking
- Sudden trouble seeing, walking, balance problems, or severe dizziness
- A sudden severe headache, especially with vomiting, fainting, or weakness
- The person becomes less responsive, collapses, or has a seizure
- 1
Call the local emergency number
Call immediately if you suspect a stroke, even if the symptoms go away. Say the person may be having a stroke and follow the dispatcher’s instructions. If possible, put the phone on speaker so you can keep helping.
- 2
Check FAST signs
Ask the person to smile, raise both arms, and say a simple sentence. Look for face drooping, arm weakness, and speech problems. If any one of these is abnormal, treat it as a stroke.
- 3
Note the time symptoms started
Find out when the person was last known to be well, and write down the time if you can. If you do not know the exact time, note when you first saw them abnormal. This information is very important for the emergency team.
- 4
Keep them safe and still
Help the person sit or lie down in a safe place. Loosen tight clothing around the neck and keep them calm. Do not let them walk without support because they may fall.
- 5
Watch breathing and responsiveness
If the person is awake, stay with them and watch for any change. If they become unresponsive and are not breathing normally, start CPR if you are trained or if the dispatcher tells you to. If they are breathing but vomit or are very drowsy, turn them onto their side if you can do so safely.
- 6
Do not give food, drink, or medicine
A person having a stroke may not be able to swallow safely. Giving anything by mouth can cause choking. Do not give aspirin or any other medicine unless a medical professional tells you to.
- 7
Gather key information
Be ready to tell responders the person’s name, age if known, symptoms, when they started, and any known medical conditions. If available, bring their medication list, identification, and phone contacts. Keep the area clear so emergency workers can reach the person quickly.
Do NOT
- Do not wait to see if the symptoms improve
- Do not drive the person yourself if emergency services are available
- Do not give food, drink, alcohol, or smoking materials
- Do not give aspirin or other medicines unless told by a medical professional
- Do not let the person walk around alone or go to sleep without monitoring
Afterwards
Once emergency help takes over, share the time symptoms started and what you observed. If the person seems better, they still need urgent medical assessment. Afterward, look after yourself too—witnessing a stroke can be stressful.
Sources
- [1]Stroke: Act F.A.S.T. — American Stroke Association
- [2]Stroke — World Health Organization
- [3]First aid for someone who may be having a stroke — British Red Cross
Printed from HealthPulse.cc — first-aid education only, not a substitute for training or professional emergency care. Always call your local emergency number first.
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