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Think F.A.S.T, no we aren’t talking about answering a trivia question on a game show. We’re talking about the acronym that will help you recognize the symptoms of a stroke.
F- Face drooping. Is the person unable to smile evenly?
A- Arm weakness. Is one arm weak or numb?
S- Speech difficulty. Is speech slurred? Try asking the person to repeat a simple sentence like, “The man is tall.”
T- Time to call 9-1-1. If someone shows any of these symptoms call 9-1-1.
Keep note of when the first symptoms started and notify the first responders. While you are waiting for the first responders to arrive, you should…
Lay the person down on their side with their head slightly raised and supported
Loosen any restrictive clothing that could cause breathing difficulties. Do not give them anything to eat or drink
Check their breathing and pulse and put them on their side. If they are unconscious and do not have a pulse or are not breathing, start CPR immediately
If you do not know how to perform CPR, call 9-1-1 and ask for instructions