Why you must ACT F.A.S.T.

A stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention. So recognising the signs and calling 999 for an ambulance is crucial. The sooner somebody who is having a stroke gets urgent medical attention, the better their chances of a good recovery.

When a stroke strikes act F.A.S.T.:

Facial weakness - can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
Arm weakness - can the person raise both arms?
Speech problems - can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
Time to call 999 for an ambulance if you spot any one of these signs.

If the person has failed any of these tests, dial 999 immediately so they can be taken to hospital for urgent treatment. Paramedic and ambulance staff are trained to assess patients with suspected stroke and get them to a hospital quickly.

Recognise the signs of stroke

Only a hospital test can confirm a stroke for sure, but it is important to know the signs. The Face Arm Speech Time test (F.A.S.T.) can help you recognise the signs of a stroke or TIA. F.A.S.T. was developed by leading stroke physicians and is used by emergency services to help them detect the signs.

What is a stroke and TIA?

Strokes are caused by a disturbance of the blood supply to the brain. They are the leading cause of disability in the UK and the third most common cause of death after cancer and coronary heart disease. There are two main types of stroke which require different types of treatment:

Ischaemic stroke is the most common type of stroke causing 17 out of 20 cases. This happens when a blood clot or a piece of fatty material blocks an artery, restricting the amount of blood and oxygen that can reach the brain.

Haemorrhagic stroke is less common and is caused by a weakened artery bursting, allowing blood to seep out of the artery wall. The blood then damages the brain tissue by pressing on it. At the same time, other brain cells may be damaged because they are not receiving enough oxygen.

Transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or “mini stroke” is similar to a stroke and has the same signs, but gets better within 24 hours. However, it is vital not to wait and see if the signs get better as it could be a full stroke. And although TIA may not itself cause any serious illness, it could be a warning sign of a more serious stroke and requires the same F.A.S.T. action to call 999.

The best way to reduce the risk

The best way to reduce the risk of a stroke is to eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
For more information on Stroke and F.A.S.T. please go to www.nhs.uk/actfast.