If someone suddenly has a drooping face, weakness in an arm or difficulty speaking, call 995 immediately. One sign is enough. Tell the dispatcher you suspect a stroke and give your exact location. Call even if the symptoms improve or disappear. HealthHub FAST signs · NNI stroke and TIA guidance
Note when the symptoms started. If nobody saw them begin, tell the dispatcher when the person was last known to be acting normally. If they woke up with symptoms, give both the time you noticed the symptoms and the last time they were seen well. NNI stroke and TIA guidance · Stroke Foundation ambulance waiting guidance
- Face → is one side drooping?
- Arms → does one arm drop or fail to lift?
- Speech → is speech suddenly slurred, unclear or difficult?
- Time → call 995 immediately.
On this page · Spot the Change From Normal · Tell SCDF When They Were Last Well · While Waiting for the Ambulance · Frequently Asked Questions
Spot the Change From Normal
Ask the person to smile, raise both arms or repeat a simple phrase if they are able and it will not delay the call. Compare with what is normal for them. For someone with a previous stroke or disability, tell the operator what is newly different, such as fresh weakness or a change in their usual speech. Sudden vision problems, loss of balance or severe headache can also occur with stroke. HealthHub FAST signs · NNI stroke and TIA guidance
Tell SCDF When They Were Last Well
If you saw the change, give the approximate time and what happened. If you discovered it later, distinguish the two times. “I found her at 7.10 am with slurred speech. We spoke at 10 pm last night and her speech was normal.” An estimate identified as an estimate is more useful than guessing an exact time. Stroke Foundation ambulance waiting guidance
While Waiting for the Ambulance
Stay with the person and follow the dispatcher’s directions. Avoid giving food, drink or medication, including aspirin, unless directed by a healthcare professional. Stroke can affect swallowing, and the cause of the stroke is not something a bystander can determine. Tell 995 immediately if the person stops responding or their breathing changes. Stroke Foundation ambulance waiting guidance · SCDF emergency medical services
If another person is available, ask them to meet the ambulance at the right gate or lift lobby. A relative can bring the medication list if it is to hand. At a hawker centre or sports complex, give the block, level, stall or court number rather than relying on the venue name alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I wait if their speech returns to normal?
Call 995. Stroke-like symptoms can resolve after a transient ischaemic attack, which still needs urgent medical attention. NNI stroke and TIA guidance · HealthHub FAST signs
What if I only notice one sign?
One sudden FAST sign is enough to act. Describe what you saw and when it changed. HealthHub FAST signs
What if the person cannot tell me their address?
Give the location you know, such as a block, postal code, venue entrance or nearby landmark. Let the dispatcher know what you can confirm.
Continue With the Singapore Emergency Playbook
- Heart Attack Signs in Singapore | When to Call 995 and What to Do While Waiting
- Asthma Attack in a Child in Singapore | Inhaler, Spacer and When to Call 995
- Low Blood Sugar in Singapore | The 15–15 Rule, Glucagon and When to Call 995
- Emergency Numbers in Singapore
- Cardiac Arrest in Singapore
Guidance checked 8 November 2026.