Recognizing Stroke Signs & Symptoms: F.A.S.T.

If you’re having a stroke, it’s critical that you get medical attention right away. Immediate treatment may minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death. Thanks to recent medical advances, stroke treatments and survival rates have improved greatly over the last decade.

F.A.S.T.

Use the acronym F.A.S.T. to recognize symptoms of a stroke and know when to call 911.

F – Face drooping

Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person’s smile uneven or lopsided?

A – Arm weakness

Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S – Speech difficulty

Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like “The sky is blue.” Is the person able to correctly repeat the words?

T – Time to call 911

If someone shows any of these symptoms, even temporarily, call 911 for help.

Don’t delay and also note the time when symptoms started so you can help emergency responders.