F.A.S.T. Method
Learn the F.A.S.T. method to quickly identify stroke symptoms
F.A.S.T. Method 🚨
Every second counts during a stroke emergency. Master the F.A.S.T. method and become a stroke hero in your community.
FACE
Ask them to smile
- • Drooping on one side
- • Uneven or lopsided smile
- • Facial numbness
ARMS
Raise both arms up
- • One arm drifts down
- • Weakness on one side
- • Can't hold position
SPEECH
Repeat simple phrase
- • Slurred speech
- • Wrong or strange words
- • Cannot speak clearly
TIME
Call 911 NOW!
- • Note the time symptoms started
- • Call emergency services
- • Every minute matters!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Face Test
Ask the person to smile or show their teeth. A normal smile is symmetrical.
- • Both sides of face move equally
- • Smile is even
- • No drooping
- • One side droops
- • Uneven smile
- • Numbness reported
2. Arm Test
Ask the person to raise both arms above their head for 10 seconds.
- • Both arms stay up
- • Equal strength
- • Steady position
- • One arm drifts down
- • Cannot lift one arm
- • Weakness on one side
3. Speech Test
Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase like "The sky is blue" or "The early bird catches the worm."
- • Clear speech
- • Correct words
- • Normal pace
- • Slurred speech
- • Wrong words
- • Cannot speak
4. Time - Call 911 NOW!
If any of the above tests show abnormal results, call emergency services immediately.
- • Say "I think someone is having a stroke"
- • Note the time symptoms started
- • Describe the symptoms you observed
- • Follow dispatcher instructions
Other Stroke Warning Signs
Sudden onset of:
- • Severe headache with no known cause
- • Confusion or trouble understanding
- • Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- • Trouble walking or loss of balance
Also watch for:
- • Dizziness or loss of coordination
- • Numbness on one side of body
- • Nausea or vomiting
- • Sudden behavioral changes
You Can Be a Stroke Hero!
Learning F.A.S.T. makes you a potential lifesaver. Share this knowledge with family and friends - you never know when it might save a life.
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