FAST Face Arms Speech Time to call 999 How to test for a Stroke

FAST Face Arms Speech Time to call 999 How to test for a Stroke. This great advert helps you detect if a person is suffering from a stroke. We use this video on our City Sailing Royal Yachting Association First Aid Courses. The FAST test takes less than a minute and could save a life. FAST is an acronym used to identify the most common signs of a stroke, and it stands for Face, Arms, Speech, and Time. This acronym can help you quickly identify the signs of a stroke and know when to call emergency services. Here's how to test for a stroke using the FAST acronym: Face: Ask the person to smile and check if one side of their face droops. If their smile is uneven or one side of their face is numb or droopy, it may be a sign of a stroke. Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms and check if one arm drifts downward or if they are unable to raise one arm. This could be a sign of weakness or numbness in one arm, which may be a symptom of a stroke. Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase and check if their speech is slurred or if they have trouble speaking. If they are unable to repeat the phrase or their speech is garbled, it could be a sign of a stroke. Time: If you notice any of these symptoms, call emergency services immediately. Time is of the essence when it comes to treating a stroke, and the sooner the person receives medical attention, the better their chances of a full recovery. It's important to remember that not all strokes present the same way, and some people may experience different symptoms. If you suspect someone may be having a stroke, it's always better to err on the side of caution and call for emergency services. Additionally, stroke prevention is key, so it's important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, control risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes, and seek medical attention for any concerning symptoms.