DAVE MONTGOMERY: It's very
important to identify a stroke
quickly because the longer
the brain is without oxygen,
the higher the chance
of permanent damage.
We ask people to remember FAST,
F-A-S-T, to spring into action.
F stands for Face.
Is there anything abnormal
about the patient's face?
Is their smile drooping?
Is their eyelid drooping?
A stands for Arms.
Ask the person to raise
their arms and observe if one
of the arms is drooping.
S stands for Speech.
Listen to the speech carefully.
Are they slurring their words?
Ask them to repeat a very simple
phrase, the grass is green.
If they cannot repeat that
phrase, the higher chance
of stroke.
And then T, if you see any
of these things,
Time is of the essence.
Call 911 right away.