NHS says ‘call 999 now’ if you have one of these three symptoms

The NHS is urging people to call 999 immediately if they experience one of three common symptoms.

The plea comes as part of a new campaign launched by the health surface to raise awareness about strokes.

Strokes are the fourth single leading cause of death in the UK, with 38,000 stroke-related deaths occurring each year. 

Around 100,000 people have a stroke in the UK each year and they can happen at any age, although those who are over 50, come from a black or South Asian background, or live with existing conditions such as high blood pressure are at increased risk.

A stroke is caused by a blood clot or bleed on the brain which cuts off the blood supply. This can kill brain cells and lead to long-term disabilities, including paralysis, memory loss, speech and mobility problems.

Dr David Hargroves, NHS national clinical director for stroke and a consultant stroke physician, explains: “When someone has a stroke, it’s estimated they may lose around two million brain cells a minute, which is why rapid diagnosis and treatment is critical – the first sign of a stroke might not seem like much, but face or arm or speech, at the first sign it’s time to call 999.”

A stroke requires urgent medical treatment as it can be life-threatening, but new NHS data shows that sufferers waited around an hour and a half last year before calling for help.

Analysis by the Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme at King’s College London for 2023-24 showed that, of the more than 41,000 patients with a recorded time of symptom onset, the average time between the first symptom and a 999 call being made was 88 minutes.

According to a poll of 2,000 adults in England, more than half of respondents (57%) believed two to three symptoms of a stroke were needed before calling 999, but the NHS says this is not the case.

You should call 999 immediately is you experience ONE of the following three common symptoms of a stroke:

The NHS says the easiest way to remember these symptoms is the acronym FAST – face, arms, speech, and time – when spotting and reacting to signs of a stroke.

Other symptoms of a stroke can also include a sudden weakness or numbness on one side of your body, sudden loss of vision or blurred vision, memory loss or dizziness, difficulty speaking or thinking of words, unsteadiness and a severe headache.

Stroke symptoms can sometimes stop after a short time, but even if this happens you should still seek medical help straight away.

NHS national medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis said: “Stroke symptoms can be less obvious or dramatic than you might expect, but, even if it doesn’t seem like it, any sign of stroke is always an emergency and it’s vital you call 999 immediately.

“This campaign is so important – greater awareness of the need to act fast and dial 999 could help save and protect many more lives, as we know that earlier recognition of symptoms and immediate action to call 999 can enable faster access to specialist treatment and the best chance of reducing long-term effects of a stroke.”