The FAST test
- Facial weakness: Can the person smile? Has their face fallen on one side?
- Arm weakness: Can the person raise both arms and keep them there?
- Speech problems: Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say? Is their speech slurred?
- Time: If you see any one of these three signs, it’s TIME to call 999. Stroke is always a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention.
Recognising the signs of stroke or mini-stroke and calling 999 for an ambulance is crucial. The quicker a patient arrives at a specialist stroke unit, the quicker they will receive appropriate treatment and the more likely they are to make a better recovery.
Stroke occurs approximately 152,000 times a year in the UK; that’s one every 3 minutes 27 seconds. First-time incidence of stroke occurs almost 17 million times a year worldwide; one every two seconds.
If you suspect a stroke, always dial 999.
More information
Read our factsheets about stroke and TIA (also known as a mini-stroke)
Get involved with our prevention campaigns, Know Your Blood Pressure and our Atrial Fibrillation campaign
Original Article: Stroke Association
Public Health England Press release: World Stroke Day: new public awareness film released