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Instructions for helping someone else

Drooping face, weak arm or unusual speech / stroke

Before continuing

In an emergency, contact the official service (141) in your area.

What to do

  1. Sudden drooping face, weak arm or unusual speech: emergency help now, even if it passes. Sudden vision or balance loss also needs urgent assessment.
  2. Note when the signs started and tell responders. Do not delay calling to find out.
  3. If found on waking or onset is unknown, report last time known well and when you noticed it. Say if unknown. Do not guess.
  4. Stay with them, keep comfortable and supported. Watch response and breathing.
  5. If unresponsive: call emergency services. If breathing is abnormal, start CPR with dispatcher guidance.

What to avoid

  1. No food or drink: swallowing may be difficult.
  2. Do not wait to see whether it passes. Improvement does not rule out stroke.
  3. Do not take or give aspirin for suspected stroke unless medically instructed. Do not change usual treatment because of this guide.
Child or baby unresponsive with abnormal breathing: child CPRUnresponsive with abnormal breathing: open CPRUnresponsive adult breathing normally without injury: recovery position