Would You Recognise a Stroke?

A conversation suddenly becomes confused. Someone’s smile looks uneven. They can’t lift one arm properly. Their speech sounds strange.

Would you recognise what was happening?

A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or when bleeding occurs within the brain.

The sooner a person experiencing a stroke receives medical treatment, the better their chances of survival and recovery.

That’s why one of the most valuable first aid skills is simply knowing how to recognise the warning signs—and acting quickly when you see them.

What Is a Stroke?

A stroke occurs when the brain’s blood supply is disrupted.

There are two main types:

Ischaemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying the brain becomes blocked, often by a blood clot.

Haemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in or around the brain ruptures and causes bleeding.

There is also a transient ischaemic attack (TIA), sometimes referred to as a “mini-stroke”, where stroke-like symptoms may disappear after a short period.

Importantly, you don’t need to determine which type of stroke someone is experiencing.

If you suspect a stroke, call 000 immediately.

F.A.S.T. – An Easy Way to Recognise a Stroke

One of the simplest ways to remember some of the major warning signs of stroke is the F.A.S.T. test.

🙂 F – FACE

Ask the person to smile.

Does one side of their face droop?

Does their mouth appear uneven?

💪 A – ARMS

Ask the person to raise both arms.

Can they lift both arms?

Does one arm drift down or appear weak?

🗣️ S – SPEECH

Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.

Is their speech slurred or difficult to understand?

Are they having difficulty finding or understanding words?

⏱️ T – TIME

If you notice any of these signs:

Time is critical. Call 000 immediately.

Do not wait to see whether the symptoms improve.

Other Possible Signs of Stroke

Not every stroke presents in exactly the same way.

Other sudden symptoms can include:

• Weakness or numbness, particularly on one side of the body
• Confusion
• Difficulty understanding speech
• Vision problems
• Dizziness
• Loss of balance or coordination
• Difficulty walking
• Severe headache with no obvious cause

The important word is often sudden.

A sudden and unexplained change in someone’s speech, movement, vision, balance or level of awareness should never simply be ignored.

What Should You Do if You Suspect a Stroke?

If someone shows signs that could indicate a stroke:

1. Call 000 immediately

Tell the operator that you suspect the person may be having a stroke.

2. Note when the symptoms started

If possible, remember or write down the time the symptoms first appeared—or the last time the person was known to be well.

This information can be important for paramedics and hospital staff.

3. Keep the person safe and comfortable

Stay with them and follow the instructions provided by the emergency operator.

4. Don’t give them food or drink

A stroke can affect a person’s ability to swallow safely.

5. Monitor their condition

If they become unresponsive and are not breathing normally, follow the emergency operator’s instructions and commence CPR if required.

Don’t Wait to See if They Get Better

One of the most dangerous responses to possible stroke symptoms is:

“Let’s just see how they feel in a little while.”

Stroke symptoms may sometimes appear relatively mild, and the person experiencing them may even insist they’re okay.

But treatment for stroke is time-sensitive.

If you recognise possible stroke symptoms, don’t drive the person to hospital yourself or wait for a GP appointment. Call 000.

What if the Symptoms Disappear?

This is particularly important.

Sometimes stroke-like symptoms disappear after several minutes or hours.

That doesn’t mean the danger has passed.

Temporary stroke symptoms may indicate a transient ischaemic attack (TIA), which requires urgent medical assessment.

If someone develops sudden stroke-like symptoms—even if they subsequently improve—seek emergency medical assistance.

Common Stroke Myths

Myth: Stroke only affects older people

Stroke risk increases with age, but a stroke can occur at other ages too.

Don’t dismiss symptoms simply because someone seems “too young” to have a stroke.

Myth: Someone having a stroke will always collapse

Not necessarily.

They may remain conscious and able to communicate.

The first indication may simply be an unusual smile, weakness in an arm or difficulty speaking.

Myth: If the symptoms disappear, everything is okay

No.

Temporary symptoms can still represent a serious medical emergency and require urgent assessment.

Myth: Give them something to eat or drink

Don’t.

Stroke can affect swallowing, increasing the risk of choking or aspiration.

Stroke Can Happen Anywhere

A stroke doesn’t wait until someone is conveniently near a hospital.

It could happen:

• At home
• At work
• At a restaurant
• At a sporting club
• While travelling
• At a community event

That’s one of the reasons basic first aid knowledge is valuable for everyone—not just people who need first aid certification for their job.

Recognising that something is wrong and calling for help quickly can be one of the most important actions a bystander takes.

First Aid Isn’t Always About What’s in the Kit

We talk a lot about being prepared with a well-stocked first aid kit.

But some emergencies remind us that knowledge can be just as important as equipment.

You won’t find a treatment for stroke inside your first aid kit.

What you can have is the knowledge to recognise the warning signs, call 000 quickly and support the person until paramedics arrive.

Remember:

F – Face

A – Arms

S – Speech

T – Time to call 000

It’s a simple first aid message worth remembering—and sharing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main warning signs of a stroke?

The F.A.S.T. test helps identify three common signs: facial weakness, arm weakness and speech difficulty. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to call 000.

Can someone have a stroke without all the F.A.S.T. signs?

Yes. Stroke symptoms can vary. Other sudden symptoms may include vision problems, confusion, numbness, severe headache, dizziness or problems with balance and coordination.

Should I drive someone having a stroke to hospital?

Call 000 for an ambulance rather than attempting to manage the situation yourself. Paramedics can assess and begin caring for the person while coordinating appropriate hospital treatment.

What if stroke symptoms disappear?

Seek emergency medical assistance. Temporary stroke-like symptoms may indicate a TIA and still require urgent medical assessment.

Should I give someone having a stroke water?

No. Stroke can affect swallowing, so avoid giving food, drinks or medication unless instructed by a healthcare professional or emergency service.

Remember F.A.S.T.

You don’t need to be a doctor or paramedic to recognise that something isn’t right.

If someone’s face suddenly droops, they cannot lift both arms normally or their speech becomes slurred or confused:

Think F.A.S.T. and call 000.

Recognising the signs and acting quickly could help save a life.

Additional Resources

I’d internally link this article to:

• Choking First Aid: Would You Know What to Do?
• The Chain of Survival
• What Should Be in a First Aid Kit for Work?
• First Aid Kit – Replace or Replenish?
• Best Defibrillators / AEDs in Australia 

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