29/10/2026
Stroke at the Workplace: Would You Recognise the Warning Signs in Time?
Visualize a coworker whose speech suddenly becomes slurred at a meeting. One side of their face is starting to droop or they are unable to raise one arm as they try to do so.
Would you recognise these signs of a stroke, or think it was just being unwell?
In a stroke, every minute counts.
What is a stroke? A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, usually due to a clot or hemorrhage. Prompt medical attention can be vital.
One simple way to recognise the warning signs is FAST:
F Face: when the person smiles, does one side of their face droop?
"A" Arms Is one arm weak or dropping when both arms are raised?
Speech (S) Does the individual suddenly slur or garble their speech?
T Time: Call emergency services now. Don't wait for symptoms to get better.
Other signs could be abrupt loss of balance, vision alterations, confusion, or perhaps the unique powerful, immediate headache.
How to respond if you suspect someone is experiencing this at work?
Immediately contact emergency services.
Record when symptoms started, or when the person was last known to be well.
Ensure the individual's safety and comply with directions from emergency services.
Do NOT provide food, water, or medication including aspirin unless requested by a health care professional.
Don't wait for symptoms to subside before getting help.
Even where symptoms subside within minutes, urgent medical review is required, because symptoms may be due to a transient ischaemic attack (TIA).
It's not enough to avoid getting sick in the first place, you also need to know what to do if the unexpected happens. Spotting the symptoms of stroke may help you save your workmate's life.
This World Stroke Day, never forget: know the signs. Act FAST. Save time.
health .
