Recognizing a Stroke: The FAST method
Learn how to spot the signs of a stroke and act fast to save lives.
Learn how to spot the signs of a stroke and act fast to save lives.
A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die in minutes.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Image Source: Buffalo Healthy Living, 2019 (Link)
F – Face Drooping: Does one side of the face droop, or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the smile uneven?
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, are they unable to speak, or are they hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.
T – Time to call 911: If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if they go away, call 911 immediately and get them to the hospital.
Source: American Stroke Association
Image Source: NHS Ayrshire & Arran (Link)
Recognizing stroke symptoms early and acting quickly can significantly improve recovery outcomes. Treatments are most effective when administered promptly.
Source: American Stroke Association
Source: Freedom Is Everything (https://www.freedomiseverything.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/take-action-1.jpg)
Share this information with others and consider learning CPR to be prepared in emergencies.
American Stroke Association. (n.d.).
F.A.S.T. warning signs of stroke. Retrieved from https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/stroke-symptoms
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022, February 15).
Stroke symptoms and warning signs. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/symptoms.htm
Buffalo Healthy Living. (2019).
FAST warning signs [Infographic]. Buffalo Healthy Living. Retrieved from https://buffalohealthyliving.com/wp-content/uploads/FAST-warning-signs-2019-1.png
NHS Ayrshire & Arran. (n.d.).
FAST stroke warning signs [Infographic]. NHS Ayrshire & Arran. Retrieved from https://www.nhsaaa.net/wp-content/uploads/1-4.png
Yale New Haven Health. (n.d.).
What is a mini-stroke? Retrieved from https://www.ynhh.org/articles/what-is-a-mini-stroke
Freedom Is Everything. (2020, February).
Take action [Image]. Freedom Is Everything. Retrieved from https://www.freedomiseverything.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/take-action-1.jpg