Stroke

At the first sign of a stroke, call 999

The first sign of a stroke might not seem like much. Like not being able to raise your arm, or struggling to smile, or slurring when you speak. Even if it doesn’t seem
like it, any sign of a stroke is always an emergency.

If you see any single one of these signs of a stroke, act FAST. Face or arm or speech, at the first sign, it’s time to call 999.

Face – has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile?
Arms – can they raise both arms and keep them there?
Speech – is their speech slurred?
Time – even if you’re not sure, call 999.

BSL (British Sign Language) users can make a BSL video relay call to 999 using the 999 BSL website or app. Visit www.999BSL.co.uk

Text relay users can call 18000 to contact 999.

There are some other signs that may be due to a stroke or mini stroke, which include:

Sudden loss of vision or blurred vision in one or both eyes
Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of your body
Sudden memory loss or confusion
Sudden dizziness, unsteadiness or a sudden fall, especially with any of the other signs

What to do if you think you or a loved one is having a stroke

Call 999 immediately if you notice any single sign of stroke.

Do not go to the hospital yourself or take a loved one you think is having a stroke to the hospital as the hospital may not be equipped to help with a stroke. For example, the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow does not have a specialist stroke unit. Taking your loved one there will delay them getting to the right hospital where specialist stroke care can be given.

When you call an ambulance it will take you to the most appropriate specialist stroke unit. This may be one of a number of hospitals in Hertfordshire, Essex or Cambridgeshire and can depend on where treatment can begin soonest. The paramedics will alert the receiving hospital to prepare them for your arrival.

Specialist stroke units at these hospitals have very experienced teams of doctors, neurologists, nurses, therapists and other professionals who work together from initial treatment to the start of your rehabilitation.