Stroke Happens Fast: How to Act F.A.S.T. and Save a Life

Stroke Happens Fast: How to Act F.A.S.T. and Save a Life

When someone is having a stroke, every second matters. A stroke occurs when a portion of the brain's blood flow is cut off or disrupted, preventing the brain's tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begins to die within minutes. That's why quick recognition and immediate action are critical — they can make the difference between full recovery and lasting disability or even death.

Recognize the Signs with F.A.S.T.

The easiest way to remember the signs of a stroke is with the acronym F.A.S.T.

• F – Face Check:
  Ask them to smile.
  Is one side of the face drooping? That’s a warning sign!
• A – Arm Test:
  Ask them to raise both arms.
  Is one arm drifting downward or too weak to lift? That’s a red flag!
• S – Speech Test:
  Ask them to repeat a simple sentence.
  Is their speech slurred, strange, or hard to understand? Pay close attention!
• T – Time to Act:
  Don’t wait. If you notice any of these signs, call emergency services immediately!

Why acting F.A.S.T. Is so Important:

• Every minute during a stroke, nearly two million brain cells are lost.
• Quick action greatly increases the chances of survival and better recovery.
• Acting fast can protect important abilities like speaking, moving, and remembering.
• Delaying medical care can lead to serious disability or even death.
• Recognizing the signs and calling emergency services immediately can save a life and preserve the future.

Other Possible Stroke Symptoms:

While F.A.S.T. helps identify the most common signs, it’s important to be aware of other symptoms too:

• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause

Stay Ready to Save a Life

Stroke happens fast — but so can your response. By learning and remembering F.A.S.T. you have the power to act quickly, get help, and save a life, possibly even your own. 

Share this knowledge with your family, friends, and community. Together, we can make a difference when every second matters.