The very first thing that you should do is to dial 112 or 999 and request an ambulance immediately if you suspect someone you are with is having a stoke.
Because the blockage in the artery results in brain tissue damage, the sooner emergency treatment arrives, the quicker the blockage can be managed so as to reduce the severity of damage to the brain and maximise the patients’ long term prognosis.
The Irish Heart Foundation has run a stroke symptoms campaign entitled Act F.A.S.T:
- Facial weakness - can they smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
- Arm weakness - can they raise both arms?
- Speech - can they speak clearly and can they understand what you are saying?
- Time to call 999
The following video from the Irish heart Foundation helps explain how to act FAST. For more informational videos please visit our YouTube Channel.