A stroke occurs when blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. Brain cells die within minutes. Immediate action dramatically improves survival and reduces permanent disability. Every minute matters.
Use the FAST test immediately to recognise a stroke. F — FACE: ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop? A — ARMS: ask them to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? S — SPEECH: ask them to repeat a simple phrase. Is speech slurred, confused, or impossible? T — TIME: if any of these are present, time to act is NOW.
Call for emergency help immediately. Note the exact time symptoms started — this is critical information for the doctor. Treatment decisions depend on how long ago the stroke began.
Keep the person calm and still. Do not give them anything to eat or drink — swallowing is often impaired after stroke and choking is a serious risk.
If the person is conscious: sit or lay them in a comfortable position with the head and shoulders slightly raised.
If the person is unconscious but breathing: place in the recovery position on their side.
If the person is not breathing: begin CPR.
Do not give aspirin unless you are certain this is not a bleeding stroke — some strokes are caused by bleeding, and aspirin makes these worse. Without a brain scan, you cannot tell which type it is.
Loosen any tight clothing around the neck.
Stay with the person and monitor breathing continuously until help arrives.
Do not leave them alone and do not let them fall asleep unmonitored.
Sudden face drooping on one side.
Sudden weakness or numbness of one arm or leg.
Sudden slurred, confused, or absent speech.
Sudden severe headache with no known cause — possible haemorrhagic stroke.
Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes.
Sudden loss of balance or coordination.
Sudden confusion or inability to understand speech.
Do not give aspirin without medical confirmation of the stroke type — bleeding strokes are worsened by aspirin.
Do not give food or water — swallowing may be impaired.
Do not assume symptoms will pass — a TIA (mini-stroke) feels identical to a full stroke and is a medical emergency.
Stroke symptoms that come and go completely still require emergency assessment — this is a TIA and predicts a full stroke within days.
✗ What To Avoid
· Aspirin before hospital assessment — only give if specifically instructed by a medical professional
· Any medication by mouth if swallowing is impaired
→ Ask The Pharmacist For
· Aspirin 300mg may be given at hospital after scan confirms ischaemic stroke
· Thrombolysis treatment is time-critical — only available at hospitals with CT scanning
🏥 Get Professional Help
This is a time-critical emergency. Get to the nearest hospital with a CT scanner immediately. Every minute of delay causes more permanent brain damage. Do not wait to see if symptoms improve. Do not drive yourself.
How do I recognise a stroke?
Use FAST: Face drooping on one side, Arm weakness on one side, Speech slurred or confused, Time to call for help immediately. Any one of these signs means stroke until proven otherwise.
Should I give aspirin for a stroke?
No, not without medical guidance. Some strokes are caused by bleeding, and aspirin worsens these. Wait for hospital assessment and a brain scan before giving aspirin.
The symptoms went away — do I still need to go to hospital?
Yes, immediately. Symptoms that come and go completely are called a TIA or mini-stroke. They are a serious warning that a full stroke may occur within hours or days. This is an emergency.