FAST Scale

Rapid Assessment of Stroke

The FAST Scale is a quick tool for assessing possible stroke. Check each criterion below:

Face: Ask the person to smile. Is there facial asymmetry?

Yes No

Arm: Ask the person to raise both arms. Is one arm drifting down?

Yes No

Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Is speech slurred or strange?

Yes No

Time: If any answer is "Yes", call emergency services immediately. Time is critical!

Reference: National Stroke Association. Stroke Symptoms and FAST.