Stroke First Aid: The FAST Test and Why Time Matters

A stroke happens when blood supply to part of the brain is blocked or a vessel bleeds. Hospital treatments work best when given early, so a first aider’s most important job is to recognise it and call. Stroke recognition is part of the first aid course.

The FAST test

• Face: ask them to smile. Does one side droop?
• Arm: ask them to raise both arms. Does one drift down?
• Speech: is it slurred or strange, or can they not understand you?
• Time: call 998 straight away.

Other signs

Sudden loss of balance, sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, sudden severe headache, or sudden confusion.

Why the time matters

Doctors decide on treatments partly by how long ago symptoms started. If the person woke up with symptoms, the relevant time is when they were last known to be well. Write it down.

While waiting

Reassure them. If they become drowsy but are breathing, place them on their side. Nothing by mouth — swallowing may be affected.

Look-alikes

Low blood sugar can mimic a stroke; if the person has diabetes and can swallow safely, see diabetic emergencies, but still call 998. Symptoms that disappear within minutes still need urgent assessment.

This guide summarises first aid for the public and does not replace training or medical advice. In an emergency in the UAE call 998 for an ambulance.

More First Aid guides: Emergency-by-emergency first aid

• First Aid Course in Abu Dhabi — dates, format and booking
• Severe Bleeding First Aid: Pressure, Tourniquets and Packing
• Burns First Aid: Cool, Cover, and When a Burn Needs Hospital
• Heat Stroke vs Heat Exhaustion: First Aid for UAE Summers
• Anaphylaxis First Aid: Recognising a Severe Allergic Reaction
• Asthma Attack First Aid: Helping With a Reliever Inhaler
• Heart Attack First Aid: Warning Signs and What to Do
• Seizure First Aid: Keep Them Safe, Time It, and When to Call 998
• Low Blood Sugar First Aid: Helping in a Diabetic Emergency
• Fainting First Aid: What to Do Before and After Someone Faints
• Fractures and Sprains First Aid: Support, Cold and When to Call
• Head Injury and Concussion First Aid: Danger Signs to Watch For
• Poisoning First Aid: Swallowed, Inhaled and Skin Exposures
• Bites and Stings First Aid: Scorpions, Snakes, Bees and Jellyfish
• Drowning First Aid: Safe Rescue, Breathing and Pool Safety
• Eye Injury First Aid: Chemicals, Dust and Objects in the Eye
• Electric Shock First Aid: Make It Safe Before You Touch
• First Aid Kit Checklist for Home, Car and Workplace
• All First Aid guides, by topic

Other life support and first aid courses: BLS Course · ACLS Course · PALS Course · Training calendar

Frequently asked questions

What does FAST stand for?

Face, Arm, Speech, Time to call.

Why note the time symptoms started?

Hospital treatment decisions depend on it.

Should I give water to someone having a stroke?

No, their swallowing may be affected.

What if the symptoms go away?

They still need urgent medical assessment.

Can low blood sugar look like a stroke?

Yes, but call 998 in either case.

Sources and further reading

What we teach follows the awarding body and the UAE health authorities. For the definitive position on a course or licensing question, these are the places to check.

• Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED — American Heart Association
• CPR and ECC Guidelines — American Heart Association

Last reviewed 21 September 2026 by the training team at Safety First Medical Services, an American Heart Association training centre at Addax Office Tower, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi. Call +971 55 761 9841 or email training@safetyfirstmed.ae.