Stroke treatments work the best if the stroke is diagnosed within 3 hours of the first symptoms. If you think someone may be having a stroke, act F.A.S.T.

F  Face Drooping

Is one side of the face numb or drooping? Ask the person to smile, is the smile uneven or lopsided?

A   Arm Weakness

Is one arm weak or numb? Can the person lift both arms? Does one arm drift downwards?

S   Speech

Ask the person to tell you their name and address. Is their speech slurred or hard to understand?

T   Time to Call 911

Every minute counts! If you see any of these signs, even if the signs go away, call 9-1-1 and get them to the hospital.

Make a note of the time any of these symptoms appear. This will help healthcare providers determine the best treatment.

 Other symptoms you should know beyond F.A.S.T

Call 9-1-1 or emergency medical services if someone shows any of the following:

  • Numbness or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
  • Confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech
  • Problem seeing in one or both eyes
  • Trouble walking, dizziness, stumbling, loss of balance or coordination
  • Sudden severe headache with no known cause
  1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stroke/symptoms-causes/syc-20350113
  2. https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/ signs_symptoms.htm

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