Stroke Awareness Month 2026: Know the Signs, Save a Life
- dpearson460
- May 20
- 4 min read
Updated: May 21
Every May, Stroke Association leads the conversation around Stroke Awareness Month, helping to educate people on one of the leading causes of death and disability in the UK.
A stroke can happen to anyone, at any age, often without warning. Knowing how to recognise the symptoms quickly, understanding what to do in an emergency, and learning how to reduce your risk could save a life.
At Emergency Response Training, we believe first aid knowledge should be accessible to everyone. Whether at home, in the workplace, or out in public, knowing how to respond confidently during a medical emergency is invaluable.
What Is a Stroke?
A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted, depriving brain cells of oxygen and nutrients. Without urgent treatment, brain cells begin to die within minutes.
There are two main types of stroke:
Ischaemic Stroke – caused by a blood clot blocking blood flow to the brain
Haemorrhagic Stroke – caused by bleeding in or around the brain
There is also a Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA), often called a “mini-stroke,” where symptoms may pass quickly but still require urgent medical attention.
Know the Signs: Remember BE FAST
Recognising the symptoms of a stroke quickly can dramatically improve survival and recovery outcomes.
The easiest way to remember the warning signs is with the BE FAST test:
Balance
Sudden loss of balance or co-ordination
Eyes
Sudden vision changes or loss of vision
Face
Has one side of the face dropped? Can the person smile evenly?
Arms
Can they raise both arms and keep them there?
Speech
Is their speech slurred, confused, or difficult to understand?
Time
If you notice any of these symptoms, call 999 immediately.
Additional stroke symptoms can include:
Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body
Sudden confusion
Loss of balance or coordination
Dizziness
Sudden vision problems
A severe headache with no known cause
Even if symptoms disappear after a few minutes, seek urgent medical advice immediately.
Why Acting Fast Matters
A stroke is always a medical emergency. The quicker treatment begins, the greater the chance of reducing long-term damage.
In some cases, clot-busting treatment can only be given within a few hours of symptoms starting. Delaying medical attention could lead to:
Permanent brain damage
Paralysis
Speech or memory difficulties
Long-term disability
Increased risk of death
This is why immediate action is so important.
Stroke First Aid: What To Do While Waiting for Help
If you suspect someone is having a stroke:
Call 999 Immediately
Do not wait to see if symptoms improve.
Note the Time
Try to remember when symptoms first started, as this helps medical professionals determine treatment options.
Keep Them Safe and Comfortable
Help them sit or lie down safely with their head and shoulders slightly supported.
Reassure Them
Stay calm and provide reassurance while waiting for the ambulance.
Be Ready To Start CPR
If they become unresponsive and stop breathing normally, begin CPR immediately.
What NOT To Do During a Stroke
It is equally important to know what not to do:
Do not give food or drink
Do not give aspirin or medication unless advised by emergency services
Do not allow them to “sleep it off”
Do not leave them alone
Difficulty swallowing is common during a stroke and giving food, drink, or medication could cause choking or worsen the condition.
Reducing Your Risk of Stroke
While not all strokes are preventable, many risk factors can be reduced through healthy lifestyle choices.
Manage Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is one of the biggest stroke risk factors.
Stay Active
Regular exercise supports both heart and brain health.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Aim for a balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and low in salt and saturated fats.
Stop Smoking
Smoking significantly increases stroke risk.
Limit Alcohol Intake
Drinking excessively can contribute to high blood pressure and stroke risk.
Attend Regular Health Checks
Monitoring conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease can help prevent complications.
Small lifestyle changes made consistently can make a significant long-term difference.
Life After Stroke
Recovery after a stroke varies from person to person. Some people recover quickly, while others may require long-term rehabilitation and support.
Recovery may include:
Physiotherapy
Speech and language therapy
Occupational therapy
Emotional support and counselling
Lifestyle adjustments
Stroke can affect not only the individual but also families, carers, and colleagues. Greater awareness helps create more supportive communities and workplaces.
Learn Life-Saving First Aid Skills
Emergency Response Training delivers accredited First Aid, CPR & AED, and workplace emergency response training across Doncaster and South Yorkshire.
Knowing how to recognise and respond to a stroke is an essential life-saving skill.
At Emergency Response Training, we provide practical, accredited first aid training courses designed to help individuals and businesses respond confidently in emergency situations.
Our courses cover:
Explore our training courses:
Final Thoughts
Stroke Awareness Month is an opportunity to educate, raise awareness, and encourage action.
By understanding the signs of stroke and acting FAST, we can all help improve outcomes and potentially save lives.
Sharing this information with family, friends, and colleagues could make a vital difference when every second counts.
For more information and support, visit the Stroke Association.
Emergency Response Training provides accredited First Aid training courses across Doncaster, South Yorkshire, and surrounding areas.
Learn more about our Workplace First Aid Courses in Doncaster by Calling T:01302 802016
E: mail@ertraining.co.uk or click HERE to enquire!
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