What is a Stroke?
A stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain gets blocked. This stops the brain from getting the oxygen and nutrients it needs to work. If we act fast, we can get the stroke victim to the hospital before they incur permanent brain damage.
Did You Know?
You only have about 1 hour to get someone to a hospital before permanent brain damage can occur.
Every second counts!
If you see someone displaying any of the the BE FAST symptoms, call 911 immediately. Time is the most critical factor in stroke recovery. Every minute counts.
Strokes can happen to people of all ages; you are never “too young” to learn about them. Even when symptoms go away (what is sometimes called a “mini-stroke”), it’s still an emergency and needs help. The quicker someone receives medical care, the higher the chance they’ll recover with fewer lasting disabilities.
B
Balance
Check if the person is walking, talking, or walking in a straight line. If they are unsteady, it could be a stroke.
A
Arm
Ask if they can raise both arms. If one arm is weak or numb, it could be a stroke.
BE FAST Acronym
Recognize the signs and save a life. We break down the acronym into simple, actionable steps for students and families.
E
Eyes
Look for sudden blurred or double vision. If their eyes look different, it could be a stroke.
S
Speech
Listen for slurred or strange words. If they can't speak clearly, it could be a stroke.
F
Face
Check if one side of the face droops. If it does, it could be a stroke.
T
Time
Call 911 immediately. Every minute counts when a stroke is suspected.
B
Balance
Check if the person is walking, talking, or walking in a straight line. If they are unsteady, it could be a stroke.
A
Arm
Ask if they can raise both arms. If one arm is weak or numb, it could be a stroke.
E
Eyes
Look for sudden blurred or double vision. If their eyes look different, it could be a stroke.
S
Speech
Listen for slurred or strange words. If they can't speak clearly, it could be a stroke.
F
Face
Check if one side of the face droops. If it does, it could be a stroke.
T
Time
Call 911 immediately. Every minute counts when a stroke is suspected.
Would You Know What To Do?
Imagine this happens...
You are at home with your grandparent.
Suddenly they:
• Can't lift one arm
• Their speech sounds strange
• One side of their face droops
What would you do?
✅ Correct Answer: Call 911 Immediately
This could be a stroke emergency.
Want to Learn More About Strokes?
The following are trusted resources for families, teachers, and students who want to conduct more research and take action in stroke awareness and prevention.