General emergency guidance — not a personal medical record.
If there is immediate danger, severe trouble breathing, unresponsiveness, a serious injury, or you are unsure whether the situation is life-threatening, call 911 now and follow the dispatcher’s instructions.
Stroke Risk
Recognize sudden warning signs
- Face: Ask the person to smile. Is one side drooping?
- Arms: Ask them to raise both arms. Does one drift down?
- Speech: Is speech slurred, strange, or difficult to understand?
- Time: Call 911 immediately if any sign is present.
Other sudden signs can include numbness or weakness on one side, confusion, trouble seeing, trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or a severe headache with no known cause.
While waiting
- Note the exact time symptoms began or the last time the person was known well.
- Keep the person safe and at rest. Do not give food, drink, or medicine unless emergency professionals direct you.
- Do not drive the person yourself unless emergency services instruct you to do so.
Source: CDC — Signs and Symptoms of Stroke.
Important
- Look for a medical ID, emergency card, phone Medical ID, or caregiver contact.
- Do not assume this page describes the person’s diagnosis, medicines, allergies, or personal care plan.
- Do not give medicine, food, or drink unless the person’s own plan or emergency professionals direct you and it is safe to do so.
- Stay with the person when it is safe, protect their privacy, and give responders the time symptoms began and what you observed.
CareID Alert provides general educational guidance only. It does not replace 911, professional medical advice, or a person-specific emergency plan.