Stroke Recognition5 min read
How to Spot a Stroke in 60 Seconds Using FAST
A stroke cuts off blood flow to the brain, killing 1.9 million neurons per minute. The FAST method gives anyone a simple four-step checklist to spot a stroke and act—no medical training required.
The FAST Checklist
- F — Face: ask them to smile. Does one side droop?
- A — Arms: ask them to raise both arms. Does one drift down?
- S — Speech: ask them to repeat a simple phrase. Is it slurred or strange?
- T — Time: if any one of these is true, call 911 immediately.
Why Every Minute Matters
Ischemic strokes—the most common type—are caused by a blood clot blocking a brain artery. Clot-busting medications must be given within a strict time window from symptom onset to be effective.
This is why the very first fact medics ask on arrival is: 'When did symptoms start?' Note the time you noticed the first sign. That single data point can determine whether a life-saving treatment is even available.
What NOT to Do
- Don't give them food, water, or medication—stroke patients can lose the ability to swallow safely.
- Don't let them 'lie down and rest.' Get help now.
- Don't drive them yourself unless there is truly no other option. EMS starts treatment on the way.