First Aid for Stroke

ByJanis Updated

A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel bursts, leading to bleeding in the brain. Without proper blood circulation, brain cells begin to die within minutes, which can cause lasting brain damage, disability, or even death. Immediate first aid and emergency care are critical for improving outcomes and preventing further injury.

Why Time Matters in a Stroke

During a stroke, every second counts. The faster a person gets medical treatment, the greater the chance of limiting brain damage and preserving critical functions like speech, movement, and memory. Many treatments that reduce the severity of a stroke—such as clot-dissolving medications—are only effective within a few hours after symptoms begin.

This is why recognizing the signs of a stroke and acting quickly is the most important part of first aid. The longer the delay in treatment, the more likely a person will experience permanent damage.

Common Types of Stroke

There are two major types of stroke:

  • Ischemic Stroke: Caused by a blood clot or blockage in an artery supplying blood to the brain. This is the most common type, accounting for about 85% of cases.
  • Hemorrhagic Stroke: Caused by bleeding in or around the brain due to a ruptured blood vessel. This can happen from conditions like high blood pressure or aneurysms.

There is also a transient ischemic attack (TIA), or mini-stroke, which involves temporary symptoms and resolves on its own. However, TIAs are warning signs of a potential major stroke in the future and still require medical evaluation.

How to Recognize Stroke Symptoms

Stroke symptoms often appear suddenly. The best way to remember them is through the acronym FAST:

  • F – Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of their face droop?
  • A – Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward or feel weak?
  • S – Speech: Ask them to repeat a simple sentence. Is their speech slurred or strange?
  • T – Time: Time is critical. Call emergency services immediately if you notice any of these signs.

Additional symptoms may include:

  • Sudden numbness or weakness in the leg, especially on one side.
  • Confusion or trouble understanding speech.
  • Trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
  • Trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of coordination.
  • Severe headache with no known cause (more common with hemorrhagic strokes).

Immediate First Aid Steps

If you suspect someone is having a stroke, follow these first aid steps:

  1. Call Emergency Services Right Away. Dial 911 (or your local emergency number). Do not wait to see if symptoms improve. Even if they come and go, they may signal a TIA or a progressing stroke.
  2. Keep the Person Safe and Comfortable. Have them sit or lie down in a safe place. If they are unconscious but breathing, put them in the recovery position—on their side with their head tilted slightly back. This keeps the airway open and prevents choking if they vomit.
  3. Do Not Give Food, Drink, or Medication. Avoid giving anything by mouth, as stroke may affect the person’s ability to swallow, increasing the risk of choking. Don’t offer aspirin unless told by emergency personnel—it may worsen bleeding if the stroke is hemorrhagic.
  4. Check for Breathing and Responsiveness. If the person becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally, begin CPR and continue until help arrives.
  5. Note the Time of First Symptoms. Emergency responders need to know when symptoms began. This helps doctors decide what treatments may be safe or effective.

What Not to Do

  • Don’t leave the person alone—stay with them until help arrives.
  • Don’t try to drive them yourself—ambulance crews can begin life-saving care en route.
  • Don’t attempt to give first aid for stroke symptoms unless you are trained—focus on getting emergency help fast.

After Emergency Help Arrives

Paramedics will monitor vital signs, administer oxygen if needed, and transport the person to the nearest stroke-ready hospital. There, doctors will run tests such as CT scans or MRIs to determine the stroke type and start appropriate treatment. For ischemic strokes, clot-busting medications may be given within a certain time window. For hemorrhagic strokes, surgery may be necessary.

Supporting Stroke Recovery

Even after immediate danger passes, stroke recovery can take weeks, months, or years. Depending on the severity, survivors may need help with speech, mobility, or daily tasks. A rehabilitation plan might include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language therapy.

Providing emotional support and helping them follow medical advice is also part of ongoing care. Many stroke survivors experience frustration or depression as they adjust to changes in ability or independence.

Preventing Future Strokes

After a stroke or TIA, it’s important to manage risk factors to prevent future events. This may involve:

  • Managing blood pressure and cholesterol
  • Quitting smoking
  • Controlling blood sugar if diabetic
  • Eating a healthy, low-sodium diet
  • Staying physically active
  • Taking medications as prescribed

People with a history of stroke or at high risk may also need blood thinners or other medications to prevent clots.

Health Writer

Janis's areas of expertise include nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mental health. She is passionate about educating and empowering people to take control of their health and make positive changes that can last a lifetime. Janis believes that small, sustainable changes are the key to long-term success, and she works with her clients to develop personalized plans that fit their individual needs and lifestyles.