Recognise stroke symptoms FAST

You can recognise a stroke using the FAST test

FACIAL weakness: Can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?

ARM weakness: Can the person raise both arms?

SPEECH problems: Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?

TIME to call 999.

If a person fails any one of these tests, get help immediately by dialling 999

A speedy response can help reduce the damage to a person’s brain and improve their chances of a full recovery. A delay in getting help can result in death or long-term disabilities.

Don’t ignore temporary symptoms

If symptoms disappear within 24 hours, the person may have had a transient ischaemic attack (TIA), which is also called a mini-stroke. A TIA is still a medical emergency, because it can lead to a major stroke.

Help us to increase awareness of stroke

The FAST message is so important to tackling stroke that it is a crucial part of The Stroke Association’s work. As well as successfully running our own campaigns, we work in partnership with other organisations and individuals to ensure that as many people as possible know how to recognise stroke symptoms.

Find out how to get involved in the FAST campaign

Text transcription of the Act FAST video