The National Stroke Awareness Month promotes the F.A.S.T. Stroke assessment for lay persons to determine if stroke signs are present.
F = FACE
Ask person to smile. Look for one-sided facial droop.
A = ARMS
Ask person to raise their arms. Look to see if one arm drifts downward.
S = SPEECH
Ask person to repeat a simple phrase. Listen for word slurring and correct repeating of the phrase.
T = TIME
If any deficiencies are noted – facial droop, arm drift, speech slurring – time is critical. Call 911 immediately.
Unfortunately, too often lay persons delay in calling 911 or use a private vehicle to transport a patient with stroke symptoms. Time is critical for the treatment of ischemic strokes – 80% or more of strokes. Call 911 for any patient with stroke signs.
Learn more about National Stroke Awareness month and the F.A.S.T. Stroke Assessment.
