National Stroke Week 2026 | When stroke strikes, be a F.A.S.T. hero

When stroke strikes, be a F.A.S.T. hero

Monday 3rd August 2026 - Sunday 9th August 2026

How do you know if someone is having a stroke?

Using F.A.S.T. to answer these questions:

-:- Face Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
-:- Arms Can they lift both arms?
-:- Speech Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
-:- Time Is critical. If you see any of these signs call 000 straight away.

Call 000 (triple zero)

A stroke is always a medical emergency and time is critical.

My Experience

When I was having a stroke, I had none of the F.A.S.T. symptoms but had a partner who recognised my symptoms (vomiting, dizzy) as serious and called 000. We know now, if she hadn't I most likely would not be writing this today.

Stroke Causes

There are many causes that result in a stroke. A stroke may result from an underlying medical issue. Symptoms of an underlying issue are not always evident or minor but recognising the early stroke signs and reacting quickly by seeking medical advice may detect a stroke in its early stages..

Once a stroke begins, recognising the symptoms below and reacting quickly is the key.

Stroke Symptoms

The Stroke Foundation recommends the F.A.S.T. test as an easy way to remember the most common signs of stroke.

Using the F.A.S.T. test involves asking these simple questions:

Face Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?

Arms Can they lift both arms?

Speech Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?

Time Is Critical

If you experience any of these signs call 000 straight away.

strokefoundation.org.au