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Emergencies & safety

Stroke: act F.A.S.T.

Careboundless·For caregivers · 2 min read

With a stroke, minutes are brain cells. Knowing the signs means you can act before doubt sets in.

Remember F.A.S.T.

  1. F — Face: ask them to smile. Does one side droop?
  2. A — Arms: ask them to raise both. Does one drift down?
  3. S — Speech: ask them to repeat a phrase. Is it slurred or strange?
  4. T — Time: if you see any of these, call 911 now and note the time symptoms began.

A few tips

  • Other signs: sudden confusion, trouble seeing, severe headache, or loss of balance.
  • Tell the 911 dispatcher “possible stroke” and the time it started — it changes the care they prepare.

When to get help

  • Don’t give food, drink, or aspirin, and don’t “wait to see if it passes.” Call 911 even if symptoms fade.
Your quick eyes are a lifeline. Trust them, and call.

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Careboundless is a care-coordination and support tool, not a medical provider. This is general information, not medical advice — in an emergency call 911, and always consult a qualified professional for health decisions.