Something's wrong with Mum

Question 1

Mum's mouth has drooped on one side and her words are slurred. What does the F in the FAST test stand for?

Accepted Answer

Face — has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile?

Answer

Fever

Answer

Fall

Answer

Forgetful

Question 2

You think it's a stroke. What do you do right now?

Accepted Answer

Call 999 immediately, say 'suspected stroke', and note the exact time her symptoms started

Answer

Give her aspirin and a glass of water

Answer

Drive her to A&E yourself

Answer

Wait 30 minutes to see if it passes

Question 3

While you wait for the ambulance, how should you position her?

Accepted Answer

Sit her comfortably — if she becomes drowsy or unresponsive but is breathing, place her in the recovery position with her weaker side underneath

Answer

Lie her flat on her back

Answer

Walk her around to keep her alert

Answer

Make her stand up to test her balance

Question 4

Her face has straightened out and her speech is back to normal after 20 minutes. Stand down?

Accepted Answer

No — this could be a TIA (mini-stroke). She still needs an urgent hospital assessment today. Keep the 999 call going or get to A&E

Answer

Yes — false alarm, she's fine now

Answer

Wait 24 hours and book the GP if it happens again

Answer

Give her aspirin and let her rest

Question 5

The paramedics arrive. What's most useful to tell them?

Accepted Answer

The exact time symptoms started (or when she was last well), what you saw, her usual medications, and that she has had nothing by mouth

Answer

Her usual blood pressure readings

Answer

Your guess at which type of stroke it is

Answer

Whether she has good or bad medical history overall

Something's wrong with Mum — free online first aid refresher | Brity®