Strokes occur when the flow of oxygen to the brain is interrupted. Nearly 2 million brain cells die each minute a stroke goes untreated. Calling 911 means treatment begins right away; when you arrive by ambulance, you skip the waiting room. Getting help fast at a Level 1 stroke center can save you from a lifetime of disability or worse.
Stroke is a leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of serious disability for adults, which is why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says to call 911 immediately at any signs of stroke.
Use the BE FAST acronym to recognize stroke symptoms in you or a loved one.
BE-FAST is an easy way to remember the warning signs of a stroke, ensuring you act quickly.
Each letter in BE-FAST stands for a critical symptom to watch for:
Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination.
Eyes: Sudden trouble seeing out of one or both eyes.
Face: One side of the face drooping or feeling numb.
Arms: Weakness or numbness in one arm, making it difficult to raise both arms evenly.
Speech: Difficulty speaking, slurred speech, or being unable to find the right words.
Time: Time to call 911 immediately if any of these symptoms are present.
Recognizing these signs and calling 911 right away can make a critical difference in stroke treatment and recovery. Don’t wait—every second counts.
Get Ahead of Stroke® is a national public education and advocacy campaign designed to improve systems of care for stroke patients. Founded in 2016 by the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery (SNIS), today the campaign is supported by a coalition of organizations with the goal of securing the best possible outcomes for stroke patients by driving policy change and public awareness nationwide.
