Face, arm, speech, time
The American Stroke Association teaches the FAST acronym: Face drooping (ask the person to smile; does one side droop?), Arm weakness (ask them to raise both arms; does one drift down?), Speech difficulty (ask them to repeat a simple sentence; is it slurred or garbled?), Time to call 911.
Stroke treatments like clot-dissolving drugs (tPA) are most effective within the first 3 to 4.5 hours. Every minute of delay means more brain tissue lost. Do not drive to urgent care. Call 911 so the hospital can prepare before you arrive.
Not always what it looks like in movies
Heart attack symptoms include chest pain or pressure (often described as squeezing or heaviness), pain radiating to the left arm, jaw, neck, or back, shortness of breath, cold sweat, nausea, and lightheadedness. Women are more likely than men to experience atypical symptoms: back pain, jaw pain, nausea, and fatigue without classic chest pain.
If you suspect a heart attack, call 911. Have the person chew an aspirin (325 mg or four 81 mg) unless they are allergic. Do not drive yourself or them to the hospital. Paramedics can begin treatment in the ambulance.
When delay is dangerous
Severe bleeding that direct pressure does not control. Difficulty breathing or choking that is not resolving. Altered consciousness (confusion, unresponsiveness, seizure). Suspected spinal injury after a fall or collision. Poisoning or overdose. Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis, with throat swelling or difficulty breathing).
When in doubt, call. Dispatchers are trained to triage. The cost of an unnecessary ambulance call is far less than the cost of a delayed one.
- FAST: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911
- Heart attack: chest pressure, arm/jaw pain, shortness of breath, cold sweat
- Chew aspirin (if not allergic) while waiting for paramedics
- Call 911 for uncontrolled bleeding, breathing difficulty, altered consciousness, seizures
- When in doubt, call. Dispatchers triage for you
- Stroke Warning Signs — American Stroke Association FAST guidelines.
- Heart Attack Warning Signs — American Heart Association.