All emergency guides
Emergency

Stroke — FAST

critical

Face, Arms, Speech, Time. Every minute costs brain cells.

Call 999 where appropriate

FAST test

  • FACE — has it fallen on one side? Can they smile?
  • ARMS — can they raise both and hold?
  • SPEECH — is it slurred? Can they repeat a simple phrase?
  • TIME — if any sign, dial 999 immediately.

Also watch for

  • Sudden severe headache
  • Sudden vision loss
  • Loss of balance / coordination
  • Numbness on one side

Actions

  • Note time symptoms started — critical for treatment window.
  • Keep casualty comfortable, head slightly raised.
  • Nil by mouth — no food or drink.
  • Reassure. Monitor breathing.

GuardAssist provides operational decision support. It does not replace formal training, employer procedures, assignment instructions or professional judgement. In a life-threatening emergency, dial 999.