checklists.oneSign in
‹ Health

Signs of a stroke (FAST) and what to do

Face, arms, speech, time: spot a stroke quickly and call an ambulance straight away.

22 items · 4 sections · health, emergency, first-aid, stroke

Start this checklist

Check FAST (4)

  • Face: ask them to smile. Does one side droop?
  • Arms: ask them to lift both arms. Does one drift down?
  • Speech: ask them to repeat a short phrase. Slurred or confused?
  • Time: any one of these, call an ambulance now911 US, 999 UK, 112 or 108 India.

Other signs that come on suddenly (5)

  • Weakness or numbness down one side
  • Blurred vision or loss of sight in one or both eyes
  • Dizzy, falling over or severe headache
  • Confusion or memory loss
  • Signs that went away still count: callGet help even if they stopped, within the last 24 hours.

While you wait (8)

  • Write down when the signs started, or when last seen wellSome treatments only work if given within about 4.5 hours.
  • Tell the call handler it may be a stroke and follow their advice
  • Do not drive them yourself
  • Nothing to eat or drink: swallowing may not be safe
  • No medicines unless the call handler says so
  • Keep them comfortable and stay with them
  • Not responding but breathing: put them in the recovery position
  • Not breathing: start CPR and tell the call handler

For the ambulance crew (5)

  • Name, age and the time the signs started
  • List of medicines, especially blood thinners
  • Known conditions and allergies
  • Phone, ID and insurance card go with them
  • Tell a family member which hospital

Written from www.nhs.uk

Similar