F – Has the person’s FACE drooped? A – Can they lift both ARMS? S – Is the person’s SPEECH slurred? Do they understand you? T – Call Triple Zero (000). TIME is critical.
Signs and symptoms
facial weakness
arm weakness
weakness or paralysis, especially on one side of the body
difficulty speaking or understanding
feeling of numbness in face, arm or leg
disturbed vision
loss of balance
faintness, dizziness
confusion
loss of consciousness
What to do
Follow DRSABCD.
Call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance.
Reassure the patient. The patient can not be able to clearly communicate, which can cause them extreme anxiety.
Help the patient to sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Support the patient’s head and shoulders on pillows.
Loosen any tight clothing.
Keep the patient warm.
Wipe away any secretions from the patient’s mouth.
