Stroke: recognize the signs with BE FAST

With stroke, time is brain: the sooner the person reaches hospital, the better the treatment options and the fewer the complications. BE FAST helps you recognize it quickly:

• B — Balance: sudden loss of balance or dizziness.
• E — Eyes: sudden loss of or blurred vision.
• F — Face: one side of the face droops when smiling.
• A — Arm: weakness or numbness in one arm.
• S — Speech: slurred or confused speech.
• T — Time: call EMS immediately and note when symptoms started.

Don't give food, drink, or medication, and stay with the person until the ambulance arrives.