Stroke strikes F.A.S.T. and must be recognized quickly for optimized management.
The following Face, Arms, Speech test, known as F.A.S.T., is an easy and quick bedside teaching tool that can be used to spread awareness about how to recognize and respond to stroke symptoms:
F = Ask person to smile. Does one side of face droop down?
A = Ask person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S = Ask person to say a simple phrase. Does speech sound slurred or strange?
T = If any of the above findings are observed, it's time to call 911 immediately.
