Signs of a stroke (FAST)
Spot a stroke with the letters FAST: Face drooping on one side, Arm weakness when both arms are raised, Speech that is slurred or strange, and Time to call 911 immediately. Other sudden signs are loss of vision, severe headache, dizziness or trouble walking. Note the time symptoms started, because treatment depends on it, and never drive the person yourself.
About 10 minutes to learnTake care: injury or damage if careless
Mark it once you can do it without this page open.
How to do it
- Have the person smile, and watch whether one side of the face droops.
- Ask them to raise both arms, and watch for one arm drifting down.
- Have them say a short, simple phrase back to you, and listen for slurred or strange speech.
- If any sign is present, even if it goes away, call 911 immediately.
- Note the time the symptoms started or when the person was last seen well.
- Keep them sitting or lying safely, and do not give food, drink or medicine.
- Unlock the door and gather their medicine list for the paramedics.
Stop and call a professional if
- Call 911 for any sudden stroke sign, even one that fades within minutes.
- Take a certified class in first aid and CPR: this page is a refresher, not training or certification.
In an emergency, call your local emergency number, 911 in the US. Take a certified class to practice this with an instructor.
Common mistakes
- Waiting to see if the symptoms pass.
- Driving them to the hospital instead of calling an ambulance, which can start treatment on the way.
- Letting them sleep it off.
- Not noting the time the symptoms began.
Quick self-check
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Teach this to someone
A one-page sheet for showing a friend, a roommate or a kid: what to say, what to show, and one question to check it landed.
Teach: Signs of a stroke (FAST)
What to say
Spot a stroke with the letters FAST: Face drooping on one side, Arm weakness when both arms are raised, Speech that is slurred or strange, and Time to call 911 immediately. Other sudden signs are loss of vision, severe headache, dizziness or trouble walking. Note the time symptoms started, because treatment depends on it, and never drive the person yourself.
What to show, in order
- Have the person smile, and watch whether one side of the face droops.
- Ask them to raise both arms, and watch for one arm drifting down.
- Have them say a short, simple phrase back to you, and listen for slurred or strange speech.
- If any sign is present, even if it goes away, call 911 immediately.
- Note the time the symptoms started or when the person was last seen well.
- Keep them sitting or lying safely, and do not give food, drink or medicine.
- Unlock the door and gather their medicine list for the paramedics.
When to stop and call a professional
- Call 911 for any sudden stroke sign, even one that fades within minutes.
- Take a certified class in first aid and CPR: this page is a refresher, not training or certification.
The check question
Ask: What does the T in FAST stand for?
Related skills
- Signs of a heart attack
- What to say when you call 911
- What health checkups men need by age
- Every skill in First Aid and Emergencies
Words on this page
Sources
- National resuscitation and first aid guidelines, 2025 guidelines. Checked September 28, 2026.
Last reviewed . First published .