Recognise stroke F.A.S.T and react

Knowing the signs and symptoms of a stroke is an essential first step to ensuring medical help is received immediately.

For each minute a stroke goes untreated and blood flow to the brain continues to be blocked, a person loses about 1.9 million neurons. This could mean that a person’s speech, movement, memory, and so much more can be affected. (Source: National Healthcare Group)

F.A.S.T is an acronym that helps people identify the common symptoms of a stroke and act fast to stroke victim needs. The acronym stands

• Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
• Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or incoherent?
• Time: If you observe any of these signs, call 995 for an ambulance immediately.