Stroke is another life-threatening situation that can affect anyone, at any time. Identifying the signs and getting help for the individual as quickly as possible can dramatically affect their chances of survival and recuperation.
The word FAST can be used to help remind you of what to look for to alert you to the possibility of someone having a stroke.
F - FACE: Is one side of their face drooping? When they smile, do both sides their mouth move? If not, help is needed.
A -ARMS: Is the person having difficulty moving one arm or are they unable to hold objects in one hand? Ask them to squeeze your fingers with both hands. Can you feel a difference? Can they hold their arms out at shoulder height or does one arm fall back down?
S - SPEECH: Has their speech become slurred or are they suddenly stuttering? Do they sound normal? Ask them to say a simple sentence and see if you notice any changes in their speech pattern. Is what they are saying back making sense and what you asked them to say? (Please remember that someone experiencing a stroke might not say what you want them to however they can still understand what you are saying to them.)
T - TIME: If any one of these things are happening, it's time to call for help. Let the call taker know what you have noticed and how long ago the symptoms began.
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