Stroke
Act F.A.S.T.
Every minute a stroke goes untreated, approximately 1.9 million neurons die. Recognise the signs, call for help immediately.
Call 087 183 1129 NowThe F.A.S.T. Test
If any one of these signs is present, call 087 183 1129 immediately. You do not need all four — one is enough.
Face Drooping
Ask them to smile. Is one side of the face drooping or numb? Is the smile uneven?
Arm Weakness
Ask them to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward or feel weak/numb?
Speech Difficulty
Ask them to repeat a simple phrase. Is speech slurred, garbled, or are they unable to speak or understand?
Time to Call
If you observe any of the above signs — note the time and call 087 183 1129 immediately. Do not wait.
One Sign is Enough — Call Immediately
You do not need all four FAST signs to be present. A single symptom is sufficient reason to call 087 183 1129. Time lost is brain lost.
Time Is Brain
Treatment options narrow rapidly after symptom onset. The earlier EMS is called, the more treatment options remain available.
1.9M
neurons die per minute untreated
4.5hrs
clot-dissolving medication window
24hrs
mechanical thrombectomy window*
10×
better outcome if treated in 'golden hour'
Treatment Window Timeline
Best outcomes. Highest chance of full recovery. Thrombolysis + thrombectomy both available.
IV thrombolysis (tPA / alteplase) remains highly effective. Door-to-needle target: 60 minutes.
Extended thrombolysis window for selected patients. Still beneficial — do not delay calling.
Mechanical thrombectomy may be possible for large vessel occlusion if imaging is favourable. Requires specialist assessment.
* Thrombectomy eligibility is determined by stroke physicians using CT/MRI imaging. Not all patients qualify for all treatments. Always call EMS — let clinicians determine eligibility.
Types of Stroke
There are two main types — understanding the difference explains why treatment must be confirmed in hospital before medication is given.
Ischaemic Stroke
Caused by a blood clot blocking a blood vessel supplying the brain. Blood supply to an area of brain is cut off, causing neurons to die rapidly from oxygen deprivation.
Haemorrhagic Stroke
Caused by a blood vessel in or around the brain rupturing. Blood leaks into brain tissue or the surrounding space. Often presents with a sudden severe "thunderclap" headache.
TIA — "Mini-Stroke" (Transient Ischaemic Attack)
A TIA produces identical symptoms to a stroke but resolves within minutes to hours without lasting damage. It is not harmless. A TIA is a severe warning sign — up to 10% of TIA patients have a full stroke within 48 hours.
What To Do Right Now
Apply FAST — One Sign is Enough
Face drooping on one side? One arm drifting down? Slurred or no speech? If you observe any single FAST sign — proceed immediately to the next step. Do not wait for more symptoms.
Note the Exact Time Symptoms Started
Look at your watch or phone. Write it down or lock the time in your memory. This single piece of information determines which treatments are available — clinicians cannot give thrombolysis without knowing onset time.
Call 087 183 1129 Immediately
Do not drive to hospital. Call EMS. Paramedics can begin assessment en route and pre-alert the receiving stroke centre, activating the stroke team before arrival — saving 30–60 minutes compared to self-transport.
Keep the Patient Calm and Still
Have them sit or lie in a comfortable position. Do not give food, water, or medication by mouth — swallowing is often impaired after a stroke and aspiration is a serious risk. Loosen any tight clothing around the neck and chest.
Do Not Leave Them Alone
Stay with the patient. Monitor their level of consciousness, breathing, and symptoms. If they lose consciousness but are breathing, place in the recovery position (left side). If they stop breathing, begin CPR and continue until EMS arrives.
Gather Information for EMS
When EMS arrives: report exact symptom onset time, FAST findings, any medications the patient takes (especially blood thinners: warfarin, rivaroxaban, aspirin, clopidogrel), medical history (hypertension, AF, diabetes), and any recent surgeries or bleeding.
What NOT To Do
Do not Give aspirin
Can worsen a haemorrhagic stroke — hospital must image the brain first
Do not Give food or water
Swallowing is often impaired; aspiration causes pneumonia
Do not Let them sleep it off
Condition can deteriorate rapidly — monitoring is essential
Do not Drive to hospital
EMS pre-alerts the stroke team; ambulance arrival triggers faster treatment
Do not Wait for symptoms to resolve
Even a TIA requires emergency evaluation — do not wait
Do not Delay calling EMS
Every 10-minute delay costs ~19 million neurons
WhatsApp
Stroke Prevention
Up to 80% of strokes are preventable through lifestyle modification and management of known risk factors.
Control Blood Pressure
Hypertension is the single largest modifiable risk factor. Target < 130/80 mmHg. Take prescribed medication consistently. Monitor at home.
Stop Smoking
Smoking doubles stroke risk. Nicotine and carbon monoxide damage blood vessels and promote clot formation. Cessation reduces risk within weeks.
Regular Exercise
150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week lowers blood pressure, improves cholesterol, and reduces atrial fibrillation risk.
Healthy Diet
Reduce saturated fat, salt, and refined carbohydrates. Increase fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and oily fish. Mediterranean diet has the strongest stroke prevention evidence.
Manage Atrial Fibrillation
AF increases stroke risk five-fold. If diagnosed, discuss anticoagulation therapy with your doctor — this is highly effective at preventing AF-related strokes.
Control Diabetes & Cholesterol
Both damage blood vessel walls and accelerate atherosclerosis. Regular HbA1c and lipid monitoring, with medication if indicated, significantly reduces stroke risk.
Suspect a Stroke? Call Now.
Do not search the internet. Do not drive. Do not wait. Call 087 183 1129 immediately — our dispatchers will guide you until the crew arrives.
Medical Disclaimer: This page is provided for public educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Medi Edge EMS recommends that all members of the public complete a formal first aid course. View Training Courses →