Spokane, Wash., April 24, 2024 – Stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the U.S.[1]. Recognizing the stroke warning signs and calling 911 immediately may make the difference between a strong recovery or long-term disability; survival or death from stroke. During American Stroke Month in May, the American Stroke Association is encouraging Washingtonians to learn the stroke warning signs using the acronym F.A.S.T. and what steps to take if stroke is suspected.
The easy-to-remember F.A.S.T. acronym stands for:
F – face drooping. Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven?
A – arm weakness. Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S – speech difficulty. Is speech slurred?
T – Time to call 911.
Often someone other than the person experiencing the stroke recognizes the signs and takes action. With stroke, a timely response is critical. Treatments for stroke exist, but may are time bound, meaning they need to be delivered within hours of the stroke occurring. Calling 911 is a critical piece in ensuring a patient gets to a medical facility that is best able to deliver the right stroke care at the moment of need.
The American Stroke Association offers an online tool, the F.A.S.T. Experience, to engage users in a virtual educational experience that simulates stroke warning signs, allowing users to better understand what those experiencing a stroke go through and equipping them to spot stroke warning signs F.A.S.T. to help save a life in the future. This tool, plus resources offered by the American Stroke Association, are designed to raise awareness about stroke and save more lives. To learn more visit www.stroke.org/StrokeMonth.
Additional resources:
- Infographic: 5 Key Facts About Stroke
- Spot a Stroke F.A.S.T. :30 Broadcast TV PSA (downloadable file)
- F.A.S.T. writeout :30 square video message (downloadable file)
- Infographic: Women and Risk of Stroke
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About the American Stroke Association
The American Stroke Association is a relentless force for a world with fewer strokes and longer, healthier lives. We team with millions of volunteers and donors to ensure equitable health and stroke care in all communities. We work to prevent, treat and beat stroke by funding innovative research, fighting for the public’s health, and providing lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based association was created in 1998 as a division of the American Heart Association. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-888-4STROKE or visit stroke.org. Follow us on Facebook and X. Connect with us in Washington on heart.org/Washington, Facebook, Instagram and X.
For Media Inquiries:
Valerie Koch, valerie.koch@heart.org
Francesca Minas, francesca.minas@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
[1] S S Martin; et al Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2024 Update: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association Circulation. 2024; 149:e347–e913. DOI: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001209