Stroke Awareness
Level:
CPD
Duration:
3 hrs
Course code:
TD/2025/09081
Max group:
12
Learn to recognize stroke symptoms, understand risk factors, and provide essential care



Course Summary
Stroke Awareness
The Stroke Awareness course is designed to help healthcare professionals, caregivers, and the general public understand stroke, its risk factors, and how to recognize symptoms quickly. Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, but early detection and intervention can significantly improve outcomes. This course covers the types of strokes, signs and symptoms, risk factors, emergency response, and preventive strategies. Participants will gain essential knowledge on how to act promptly and effectively in a stroke emergency, as well as strategies to reduce the risk of stroke in themselves and others. Key Learning Objectives: By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Understand What Stroke Is Define stroke and explain the difference between the two main types: ischemic and hemorrhagic. Recognize how a stroke affects the brain and the body. Understand the global impact of stroke on health and society. Identify the Signs and Symptoms of Stroke Learn the key signs of a stroke, including facial drooping, arm weakness, and speech difficulty. Understand the FAST acronym (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) to identify stroke symptoms quickly. Recognize less common signs of stroke, such as sudden dizziness, trouble walking, or severe headache. Recognize the Importance of Time in Stroke Treatment Understand the "Golden Hour": why time is critical in treating stroke. Explore the link between early intervention and improved recovery outcomes. Learn the role of emergency response teams in stroke care and the need for immediate medical attention. Understand Stroke Risk Factors Identify modifiable risk factors (e.g., high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, poor diet). Learn about non-modifiable risk factors (e.g., age, family history, gender). Discuss how to assess stroke risk in yourself and others. Emergency Response to Stroke Learn what to do if you suspect someone is having a stroke, including when to call emergency services. Understand the steps to take while waiting for emergency responders. Recognize the importance of staying calm and ensuring the person's safety until help arrives. Stroke Prevention Strategies Learn lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of stroke: healthy eating, regular physical activity, and managing chronic conditions (e.g., hypertension, diabetes). Discuss the role of medications, such as blood thinners and antihypertensives, in preventing stroke. Understand the importance of regular medical check-ups and stroke screenings. Post-Stroke Care and Rehabilitation Gain knowledge on stroke recovery and rehabilitation processes, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Understand the challenges individuals may face after a stroke, such as motor and cognitive impairments. Learn how caregivers can support stroke survivors in their rehabilitation journey. Stroke Education and Awareness Discuss the importance of public education campaigns to increase awareness about stroke and reduce its impact. Learn how to educate patients, families, and communities on stroke prevention and early warning signs. Understand how to promote stroke awareness in various settings, including workplaces and schools.





Course Contents
Module 1: Introduction to Stroke
Definition and explanation of stroke
Types of stroke: ischemic (blockage) and hemorrhagic (bleeding)
Impact of stroke on brain and body
Global impact: incidence, mortality, long-term effects
Module 2: Signs and Symptoms of Stroke
FAST acronym:
Face drooping
Arm weakness
Speech difficulties
Time to call emergency servicesOther common symptoms:
Sudden numbness or weakness (especially one side)
Sudden confusion or trouble speaking/understanding
Sudden vision problems
Sudden dizziness, loss of balance, difficulty walking
Severe unexplained headacheRecognizing subtle symptoms: confusion, memory loss, visual disturbances
Variation of symptoms by stroke type and severity
Module 3: The Importance of Time in Stroke Care
The "Golden Hour": urgency of immediate action
Early treatment benefits within 3 to 4.5 hours
Treatments: thrombectomy, thrombolytic therapy (clot-busting drugs)
Time-dependent brain tissue damage and irreversible harm
Module 4: Risk Factors for Stroke
Modifiable risk factors:
High blood pressure
Smoking, alcohol, drug abuse
High cholesterol, poor diet
Lack of exercise, obesity, diabetes
Stress and mental healthNon-modifiable risk factors:
Age (risk increases after 55)
Family history and genetics
Gender (higher risk in women during pregnancy/post-menopause)
Race/ethnicity (higher risk in some populations)Assessing personal and family risk
Knowing when to seek medical advice and screening
Module 5: Emergency Response to a Stroke
Acting fast: recognize signs and call emergency services
Staying calm while waiting for help
Importance of not driving the patient to hospital
Role of first responders
Hospital procedures: imaging, clot-busting drugs, possible surgery
Importance of early intervention to reduce damage and disability
Module 6: Stroke Prevention Strategies
Lifestyle modifications:
Healthy diet (low salt, fruits, vegetables, healthy fats)
Regular exercise
Weight management and BMI awarenessManaging chronic conditions:
Blood pressure monitoring and medication adherence
Diabetes control
Cholesterol managementAvoiding smoking and limiting alcohol
Tips for quitting smoking and reducing alcohol use
Module 7: Post-Stroke Care and Rehabilitation
Stroke recovery overview: physical, cognitive, emotional aspects
Types of rehabilitation: physical, occupational, speech therapy
Managing ongoing challenges: muscle weakness, speech, cognition
Support for caregivers: emotional and practical assistance
Module 8: Educating Others and Raising Awareness
Importance of community awareness programs
Strategies for educating on stroke warning signs
Raising awareness on stroke impact on individuals and families
Promoting healthy lifestyle choices and regular screenings
Module 9: Stroke in Special Populations
Stroke in women: differing risk factors, pregnancy-related stroke, hormonal impact, recovery challenges
Stroke in older adults: increased risk, complications, fall prevention, cognitive concerns
Stroke in children and young adults: causes, symptoms, treatment, unique recovery needs

Assessment
The instructor conducts a single written assessments at the end of the course. Upon successful completion, learners will receive a three-year Level 3 Award in Principles of Safeguarding and Protecting Children, Young People or Vulnerable Adults (Level 6 in Scotland). No external assessors are required for this qualification.
Duration
The course requires a minimum of 7 hours, distributed over the day. While it is ideal to complete the course in one day, we can adjust the schedule to suit your specific needs, as long as the course is completed within 3 weeks of starting and each training session lasts at least two hours.

Certification Validity
This qualification has no formal expiry, however regular CPD and updates are recommended.



Further Information - Course Numbers
A maximum of 12 students can be accommodated on this course and all candidates must be a minimum of 18 years of age to qualify.
Assessment method: Activities, test paper.
Pre-requisite: None
Suggested progression:
recommended refresher training and CPD;