Spot A Stroke F-A-S-T

Spot A Stroke F-A-S-T

 

A stroke occurs when a vessel in the brain ruptures or is blocked by a blood clot. Medical treatments for stroke work to either open the blockage or treat the rupture.  Chances of survival are best if the stroke is identified and treated within 3 hours.

F-A-S-T is an acronym that can help you easily remember the most common symptoms of stroke. Quickly identifying a stroke and calling 9-1-1 can help get the stroke victim to hospital and treated within the critical 3-hour window.

 

FACE: Ask the person to smile. Is their face drooping?

ARMS: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

SPEECH: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred?

TIME: If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately.

 

Beyond F-A-S-T– Other Symptoms You Should Know

  • Sudden NUMBNESS or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
  • Sudden CONFUSION, trouble speaking or understanding speech
  • Sudden TROUBLE SEEING in one or both eyes
  • Sudden TROUBLE WALKING, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
  • Sudden SEVERE HEADACHE with no known cause

 If someone shows any of these symptoms, immediately call 9-1-1 .