What does FAST stand for? Knowing the answer could save your life – or the life of a loved one.

Answer:

FAST is the simple test for stroke that everyone should know.

F stands for facial weakness: Can the person smile; has their mouth or eyelid drooped?

A stands for arms: Can the person raise both arms?

S stands for speech: Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?

T stands for time: If at least one sign of stroke is present, act fast and call 000 immediately.

Stroke is the second leading cause of death in Australia. It’s important to get fast medical treatment even if the signs last for just a short time, as in the case of a Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA). Acting fast could mean the difference between severe brain damage or death and a good recovery.

As the slogan says, “Time lost is brain lost.”

Would you like to see a brilliant video produced by the Stroke Association of the UK that shows you exactly how to do the FAST test?

Click on this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEmR4HaluYw

. Watch it – and get your family and friends to watch it too. Watching it could help you save a life one day. (Just remember to call teh correct emergency number: in the UK it’s 999; in the US it’s 911 and in Australia it’s 000.)