Stroke is one of the biggest killers in the UK, and it can often strike with little or no warning. Anyone who has had a stroke, or has known someone who has, will know how important quick recognition and treatment are.

Why Acting Fast Matters

A stroke is a medical emergency that needs hospital treatment as quickly as possible, so knowing the signs to look out for could save your life or someone else’s. Attending emergency first aid training courses, such as those offered by Tidal Training, is a great way to learn how to respond to a stroke, as well as other medical emergencies.

Remember FAST

The NHS uses the word FAST to help people remember the main signs of a stroke:

• Face: the face may have dropped on one side, and the person may not be able to smile.
• Arms: the person may not be able to lift both arms and keep them there, because of weakness or numbness in one arm.
• Speech: their speech may be slurred or garbled, or they may not be able to talk at all.
• Time: it’s time to call 999 immediately if you see any of these signs.

Other Signs to Look Out For

Other symptoms can include weakness or tingling in a leg, sudden changes to or loss of vision in one or both eyes, sudden dizziness or problems with balance and co-ordination, and confusion. Timing is vital, so if you think someone is having a stroke, call 999 straight away.

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