Which acronym is used to identify stroke signs?

Which acronym is used to identify stroke signs?

• A. FAST
• B. CPR
• C. ABCD
• D. RACE

Answer: (A)

Recognizing stroke quickly hinges on a simple mnemonic that helps bystanders notice the main signs and act fast. FAST focuses on four elements that point to a potential stroke: Face drooping or an uneven smile, Arm weakness or drift when lifting both arms, Speech difficulty or slurred speech, and the critical need to Time—time to call emergency services immediately if any of these appear. Each flag signals a possible stroke, and acting within minutes can save brain tissue and improve outcomes, so the emphasis is on rapid recognition and urgent response. Other terms don’t serve the same bystander purpose. CPR is a procedure for cardiac arrest, not for identifying stroke signs. ABCD is used in different medical contexts—for example, risk scoring related to TIAs or other stroke-related assessments—rather than a quick public mnemonic for symptoms. RACE is a clinical stroke severity scale used by healthcare professionals in the hospital, not a general public cue for recognizing stroke signs. FAST directly supports fast recognition and action in the field.

Recognizing stroke quickly hinges on a simple mnemonic that helps bystanders notice the main signs and act fast. FAST focuses on four elements that point to a potential stroke: Face drooping or an uneven smile, Arm weakness or drift when lifting both arms, Speech difficulty or slurred speech, and the critical need to Time—time to call emergency services immediately if any of these appear. Each flag signals a possible stroke, and acting within minutes can save brain tissue and improve outcomes, so the emphasis is on rapid recognition and urgent response.

Other terms don’t serve the same bystander purpose. CPR is a procedure for cardiac arrest, not for identifying stroke signs. ABCD is used in different medical contexts—for example, risk scoring related to TIAs or other stroke-related assessments—rather than a quick public mnemonic for symptoms. RACE is a clinical stroke severity scale used by healthcare professionals in the hospital, not a general public cue for recognizing stroke signs. FAST directly supports fast recognition and action in the field.