Home | Fact Sheet | Stroke

Medical Emergencies

Stroke

Download Fact Sheet PDFs

Recognise stroke? 

If you see any of these symptoms, act F.A.S.T.! 

F – Has the person’s FACE drooped?
A – Can they lift both ARMS?
S – Is the person’s SPEECH slurred? Do they understand you?
T Call Triple Zero (000). TIME is critical. 

Signs and symptoms

  • facial weakness 
  • arm weakness 
  • weakness or paralysis, especially on one side of the body 
  • difficulty speaking or understanding 
  • feeling of numbness in face, arm or leg 
  • disturbed vision 
  • loss of balance 
  • faintness, dizziness 
  • confusion 
  • loss of consciousness 

What to do

  1. Follow DRSABCD. 
  2. Call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance. 
  3. Reassure the patient. The patient can not be able to clearly communicate, which can cause them extreme anxiety. 
  4. Help the patient to sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Support the patient’s head and shoulders on pillows. 
  5. Loosen any tight clothing. 
  6. Keep the patient warm. 
  7. Wipe away any secretions from the patient’s mouth. 
  8. Stay with the patient until medical aid arrives.