Recognise the Signs of Stroke: Why Acting F.A.S.T. Can Save a Life

Every 11 minutes, someone in Australia experiences a stroke — a life‑threatening event that can change everything in seconds (Stroke Foundation, 2024). Margaret, a 62‑year‑old teacher in Brisbane, was helping her grandson when her face drooped, arm went limp and speech slurred. Her daughter recognised a F.A.S.T. sign and called 000 immediately. Margaret got clot‑busting treatment in time and made a full recovery. Professor Amanda Thrift has said, “Time is brain. The faster we act, the more brain we can save” (Stroke Foundation, 2024a).

Key Takeaways

• A stroke can strike anyone — knowing the warning signs is your first line of defence.

• Knowing your risk could help prevent a future event.

• Recognising F.A.S.T. gives you the power to act quickly.

• Unusual symptoms should never be dismissed — act fast.

• The faster you act, the better the outcome.

• Quick, calm action could make all the difference.

• Don’t rely on myths — take any symptom seriously.

• You could be the person who saves a life.

• Talking about stroke saves lives.

• Stroke isn’t the end — with support, recovery is possible.

• Learn F.A.S.T. — your action could make all the difference.

Types of Stroke and Risk Factors

There are three main types: ischaemic (blocked artery), haemorrhagic (brain bleed) and transient ischaemic attack (TIA), which resolves but signals high risk (Stroke Foundation, 2024). Risk factors include hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, inactivity and family history (Stroke Foundation, 2024; Stroke Foundation, 2024a). Associate Professor Seana Gall emphasises that up to 80% of strokes are preventable by addressing modifiable risk factors early (Stroke Foundation, 2024b).

Recognising Symptoms: The F.A.S.T. Test

Use F.A.S.T. to check for signs quickly (Stroke Foundation, 2024):

• F – Face: Has one side drooped?
  
  

• A – Arms: Can both arms lift evenly?
  
  

• S – Speech: Is speech slurred or strange?
  
  

• T – Time: Call 000 straight away.
  Dr Erin Lalor urges: “If you see even one of these signs, act F.A.S.T. and call triple zero — don’t wait” (Stroke Foundation, 2024a).
  
  

Additional Warning Signs

Some strokes present differently. Sudden vision loss, unexplained dizziness, severe headache or confusion can signal a stroke — especially posterior strokes or in younger people (Stroke Foundation, 2024). Even transient symptoms, such as in a TIA, demand urgent attention. Neurologist Tissa Wijeratne states that any sudden neurological change must be treated as a possible stroke until proven otherwise (Stroke Foundation, 2024a).

Why Acting F.A.S.T. Matters

The brain loses roughly 1.9 million neurons per minute without oxygen (Seniors Today, 2024). Acting early enables treatments like thrombolysis or clot retrieval within a critical 4.5‑hour timeframe. Professor Mark Parsons notes that outcomes often hinge on how quickly the person is treated (Parsons et al., 2025).

What to Do if You Suspect a Stroke

Call 000 immediately and give clear, accurate information about the symptoms and timing. Keep the person safe and calm—don’t offer food or drink. Even if symptoms resolve, as in a TIA, still call for help. Dr Lisa Murphy advises over‑reaction is better than delay (Seniors Today, 2024).

Common Misconceptions

Many people believe strokes only happen to the elderly, or that symptoms must be painful or persistent. Dr James Leyden clarifies that subtle or transient strokes are often the most dangerous because they get missed (Stroke Foundation, 2023).

Bystanders Can Save Lives

Most stroke victims can’t call for themselves. Observers must act decisively. Anyone can use F.A.S.T. with no medical training. Teaching the signs to children, carers, workplaces and communities increases readiness (Stroke Foundation, 2023). Dr Shannon Chiu adds that early bystander response shapes outcomes more than initial treatment (Stroke Foundation, 2023).

Raising Awareness in the Community

National Stroke Week in August encourages nationwide awareness through education, events and sharing resources like F.A.S.T. in schools, councils and workplaces (Stroke Foundation, 2023). Dr Lalor says that every conversation about stroke is a chance to save a life (Stroke Foundation, 2023).

Life After Stroke

Recovery depends on early care followed by rehabilitation such as physiotherapy, speech therapy and psychological support. Timely support and community resources improve outcomes. Dr Donna Markham notes recovery takes persistence and a solid support network (Stroke Foundation, 2024b).

Conclusion

A stroke can strike anyone without warning. Acting F.A.S.T. and calling 000 immediately gives someone the best chance of recovery. Public education saves more lives than any single treatment by ensuring people get help in time (Parsons et al., 2025; Stroke Foundation, 2024a). Share what you now know—you could save a life.

References

Parsons, M. W., et al. (2025). Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research profile. Retrieved from https://inghaminstitute.org.au/people/prof-mark-parsons/ (Courier Mail, Seniors Today, inghaminstitute.org.au)

Seniors Today. (2024, September 13). New stroke data alarming. Retrieved from https://seniorstoday.com.au/news/2024/09/13/new-stroke-data-alarming/ (Seniors Today)

Stroke Foundation. (2023). F.A.S.T. action makes the difference [Media release]. Retrieved from https://strokefoundation.org.au/media-centre/media-releases?page=1

Stroke Foundation. (2024). Economic impact of stroke in Australia, 2024 report. Retrieved from https://strokefoundation.org.au/what-we-do/research/economic-impact-of-stroke-in-australia (Stroke Foundation - Australia)

Stroke Foundation. (2024a). Top 10 facts about stroke. Retrieved from https://strokefoundation.org.au/About-Stroke/Learn/facts-and-figures (Stroke Foundation - Australia)

Stroke Foundation. (2024b). Knowing the F.A.S.T. acronym saves lives [Media release]. Retrieved from https://strokefoundation.org.au/media-centre/media-releases/2024/08/don%E2%80%99t-delay-stroke-is-always-a-triple-zero-call (Stroke Foundation - Australia)