Recognizing a Stroke: The FAST Test and What to Do Next

Stroke symptoms can come on suddenly and sometimes look subtle at first — a slightly drooping face, a bit of slurred speech. Recognizing them quickly and acting immediately genuinely matters, because timely treatment can affect long-term outcomes. This is general awareness information, not a diagnosis — if you suspect a stroke, treat it as an emergency and call for help right away.

The FAST test

This is a widely recognized, simple way to check for stroke signs in seconds, without needing any medical training. If even one of these signs is present, don't wait to see if it improves.

• F — Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side droop?
• A — Arms: Ask them to raise both arms. Does one drift downward?
• S — Speech: Ask them to repeat a simple sentence. Is speech slurred or strange?
• T — Time: If you notice any of these signs, time matters — call for an ambulance immediately.

Other possible symptoms

• Sudden confusion or trouble understanding others
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause
• Sudden difficulty walking, dizziness, or loss of balance and coordination

What to do while waiting for the ambulance

• Note the exact time symptoms started — this matters significantly for treatment decisions at the hospital
• Keep the person still and calm; don't give them food or water, as swallowing may be affected
• If they're unconscious but breathing, position them on their side
• Don't give aspirin or any medication unless specifically instructed by a medical professional on the call

Why calling immediately matters more than waiting to see

It can be tempting to wait a few minutes to see if symptoms pass, especially if they seem mild. With stroke, that delay can matter — call immediately rather than waiting. When you call us, mention that you suspect a stroke and the time symptoms started, so we can communicate this clearly to the receiving hospital ahead of arrival.