When Every Second Matters: What to Do During a Suspected Stroke

September 1, 2026

two emergency personnel moving quickly with a patient

Stroke is responsible for 1 in 19 deaths in the United States, according to the American Heart Association's most recent Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update. The report is a serious reminder of why getting help immediately matters.

A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is suddenly cut off or a blood vessel bursts. Brain cells begin dying within minutes and there's no time to “wait and see.” Knowing the signs, acting immediately and understanding what happens next can mean the difference between a full recovery and permanent disability or death.

Know the Signs: B.E. F.A.S.T.

Stroke symptoms can come on suddenly and without warning. It helps to have a quick, memorable way to recognize them when they occur. Use the B.E. F.A.S.T. checklist to spot the warning signs.

B — Balance: Sudden loss of balance, dizziness, or trouble walking
E — Eyes: Sudden trouble seeing, in one or both eyes
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?
S — Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
T — Time: If you see any of these signs, call 911 right away and note when symptoms started

Other warning signs include sudden confusion or trouble understanding speech and a severe headache with no known cause. Symptoms typically appear suddenly and without warning.

What Should I Do If I Suspect a Stroke?

Call 911 immediately. Don't wait to see if symptoms improve, and don't call your doctor's office first. Every minute of delay matters.
Note the time symptoms started. If you don't know exactly, note the last time the person was seen acting normally. This detail directly affects which treatments they'll be eligible for.
Keep the person safe and still. Help them lie down with their head slightly elevated, and stay with them until help arrives.
Do not give food, drink or medication. A stroke may impair swallowing, and medications like aspirin can be harmful depending on the type of stroke.
Perform CPR only if needed. If the person becomes unresponsive and isn't breathing, begin CPR immediately. If you don’t know how to do CPR, the 911 dispatcher can walk you through it.
Do not drive them yourself. EMS providers in an ambulance can begin treatment right away and get the patient to the hospital faster and more safely than you can.

Even if symptoms fade before help arrives, don't cancel the call. Stroke symptoms that go away within minutes may be a transient ischemic attack (TIA), or “mini-stroke.” A TIA is a serious warning sign of a future stroke that requires emergency evaluation.

Why is Driving to the ER Yourself Riskier Than Calling an Ambulance?

If you or someone you’re with shows warning signs of a stroke, it's natural to want to jump in the car and head for the nearest emergency room. But experts agree — don’t drive to the hospital and don't let someone else drive you.

Calling 911 means medical personnel can begin life-saving assessment and treatment on the way to the emergency room, rather than waiting until you get there. Stroke patients who arrive by ambulance are generally diagnosed and treated faster than those who arrive on their own. EMS crews can alert the hospital before they even get there, allowing the stroke team to prepare.

Driving yourself also carries its own risks. Among other things, you could get stuck in traffic or end up at a hospital that isn't equipped for stroke care. If you're the one experiencing symptoms, you could lose the ability to drive safely before you reach the hospital.

What Should I Expect?

Once EMS arrives, they quickly assess symptoms, including when they started and how they’ve progressed. A paramedic will monitor vital signs on the way to the hospital. At the hospital, the care team prepares imaging equipment and alerts the appropriate specialists so they are ready when the patient arrives.

During the exam, a care provider will ask about medical history and the exact time symptoms started. Testing typically includes a brain scan to determine whether the stroke is caused by a blockage (ischemic) or caused by bleeding (hemorrhagic), since treatment differs for each.

A patient may be seen by a neurologist, a neurosurgeon or another specialist, depending on the individual circumstances. For eligible ischemic stroke patients who arrive within the treatment window, doctors may give a clot-busting medication called tPA.

Speed Saves Lives

Stroke is a medical emergency where minutes determine outcomes. Learn B.E. F.A.S.T., act on it immediately, call 911 rather than driving and trust that EMS and the ER are prepared to move quickly once they know you're on the way. It can save your life or the life of someone you know.

Stroke Care at Witham Health

When a stroke happens, getting expert care quickly is critical. Witham's Emergency team evaluates and treats stroke patients as soon as they arrive. Our specialists use advanced imaging and diagnostic technology to quickly determine the type of stroke and guide immediate treatment. Witham's team is ready the moment you arrive.

Visit Our Health Library to Learn More About:

Stroke (Brain Attack)
Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Stroke?
Strokes in Children

Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Signs and Symptoms of Stroke
CDC: Treatment and Intervention for Stroke
American Heart Association: Heart Disease and Stroke Update