Published: Sunday, April 13, 2014 at 11:56 p.m. Last Modified: Sunday, April 13, 2014 at 11:56 p.m. Facts FAST ASSESSMENT
Do a FAST assessment of whether someone has had a stroke. Look for sudden changes, as listed below, that occur in someone's behavior. FAST stands for:
- Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
- Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
- Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is his or her speech slurred or strange?
- Time: Call 911 immediately if you observe any of these signs.
To recognize stroke in yourself or others, be alert for these changes:
- 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.
Excerpt from:
Quick Treatment for Stroke Key to Recovery for Young Mother Visiting Polk County