Emergency

Stroke (Act FAST)

If you suspect a stroke, use the FAST test (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) and call 999 immediately — stroke is a time-critical emergency.

When to call 999. Call 999 immediately if any one of the FAST signs is present. Even if symptoms disappear, still call 999, as this can be a warning stroke (TIA) that needs urgent assessment. Note the time symptoms started.

Written by Meds Global Health Clinical Team · Clinically reviewed by Dr Muhammad Suffyan, MB BS, Founder & Clinical Director · Last reviewed · How we review

What to do

  1. Face — ask the person to smile. Has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile evenly?
  2. Arms — ask them to raise both arms. Can they keep both up, or does one drift down?
  3. Speech — is their speech slurred or muddled, or are they unable to talk despite appearing awake?
  4. Time — if you see any single one of these signs, it is time to call 999 immediately.
  5. Note the time the symptoms started, as this affects treatment options.
  6. Keep the person comfortable, reassured and still, and do not give them anything to eat or drink.

Avoid

What not to do

Do not wait to see if symptoms improve, do not drive the person to hospital yourself, and do not give food, drink or medicine, as swallowing may be affected and they may need urgent scans and treatment.

Afterwards and while you wait

Stay with the person and keep monitoring them. If they become unresponsive, check their breathing and be ready to place them in the recovery position or start CPR. Tell the crew exactly when symptoms began and what you observed.

Education and reference only. This is general first-aid information aligned with UK guidance, not a substitute for a hands-on first-aid course or professional emergency care. In a life-threatening emergency, call 999 straight away.

Answers

Stroke (Act FAST): frequently asked questions

What if the stroke symptoms go away?

Still call 999. Symptoms that resolve may have been a transient ischaemic attack (TIA or "mini-stroke"), which is a serious warning of a possible major stroke and needs urgent medical assessment.

Why does the time symptoms started matter?

Some stroke treatments, such as clot-busting medicine or clot removal, only work within a limited time window. Knowing when symptoms began helps doctors decide the best treatment quickly.

Related

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Sources

Where this is drawn from

  • NHS — first aid
  • Resuscitation Council UK
  • St John Ambulance / British Red Cross first-aid guidance

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