Stroke Care
Act FAST
Is it a stroke? Act FAST
Learn the warning signs of a stroke. Act FAST and call 911 immediately if you see signs of a stroke.
F - FACE: Does one side of the face droop? Ask the person to smile.
A - ARMS: Does one arm drift downward? Ask the person to raise both arms.
S - SPEECH: Is their speech slurred or are the words not coming out right? Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase.
T - TIME: Time to act! Call 911 and get the person to a certified stroke center immediately.
Note the time when any symptoms first appear. Quick response is critical for recovery after a stroke. If given within three hours of the first symptoms, clot-buster medication may reduce long-term disability for the most common type of stroke. Learn as many stroke symptoms as possible so you can recognize a stroke right away.
Stroke Symptoms and Care
Stroke symptoms include:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg - especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
