HealthInfo Canterbury
Stroke first aid
Whakarauora roro ikura
Important
If you think someone is having a stroke, immediately call 111 and ask for an ambulance.
Even if the symptoms go away while you're waiting for the ambulance, it's still important to go to hospital for an assessment.
Symptoms of stroke
Use the FAST check to recognise the symptoms of a stroke:
- Face – Is their face drooping on one side? Can they smile?
- Arm – Is one arm weak? Can they raise both arms?
- Speech – Is their speech jumbled or slurred? Can they speak at all?
- Time – Time is critical. Call 111 for an ambulance.
Other signs
Other signs of a stroke can include:
- numbness of the face, arm or leg on either or both sides of the body
- difficulty swallowing
- dizziness
- blurred or decreased vision in one or both eyes
- sudden severe headache
- drowsiness.
While waiting for the ambulance
- Make sure the surrounding area is safe.
- Stay calm and reassure the person.
- Let them know help is on its way.
- Keep them warm.
If the person is conscious
- Place them in a comfortable position.
- Check their breathing as you wait for the ambulance.
- Don't give them any food or liquids.
If the person is unconscious but breathing
Follow the instructions in Unconscious but breathing until help arrives.
If the person isn't breathing
Start CPR for adults and children or babies.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- British Red Cross – Everyday First Aid: Stroke
This British video shows how to carry out the FAST test when you suspect someone might have had a stroke. Since the video is British, it tells you to call 999 if you suspect a stroke. The emergency number in New Zealand is 111. You can also watch a British Sign Language version of this video.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed December 2022.
SourcesReview key: HIFAD-141030
