Stroke

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain isrestricted. There are two types of stroke:

  1. Ischaemic: which is where a clot interrupts the blood supply. The accounts for 80% of all cases.
  2. Haemorrhagic: A bleed on the brain due to a ruptured blood vessel.
  3. Transient ischaemic attack (TIA) which is also known as a “mini” stroke. This occurs when the blood supply is temporarily interrupted.

For signs and treatment of a stroke we use the mnemonic FAST:

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain isrestricted. There are two types of stroke:

  1. Ischaemic: which is where a clot interrupts the blood supply. The accounts for 80% of all cases.
  2. Haemorrhagic: A bleed on the brain due to a ruptured blood vessel.
  3. Transient ischaemic attack (TIA) which is also known as a “mini” stroke. This occurs when the blood supply is temporarily interrupted.

For signs and treatment of a stroke we use the mnemonic FAST:

F

FACIAL WEAKNESS – Can the person smile?

Has their mouth or eye drooped?

A

ARMS – Can the person raise both arms?

S

SPEECH PROBLEMS – Can the person speak

clearly and understand what you say?

T

TIME – Time to call 999 / 112

TREATMENT

As you wait for the ambulance assuming the casualty is breathing normally:

  • Lie them down raising their head and shoulders
  • Turns their head to one side, affected side down
  • Loosen any tight clothing
  • Monitor their breathing and be prepared to perform CPR
Created: 25 September 2025
Last Modified: 25 September 2025
Author: Phil Newton

Version: Version: 1.00