What does the "F" in the FAST acronym stand for?

The "F" in the FAST acronym stands for "Face drooping." This is an important component in recognizing the signs of a stroke. The FAST acronym helps individuals remember the key signs to detect a stroke quickly and encourages immediate action.

Specifically, "Face drooping" refers to an observable droop on one side of the face when a person is asked to smile. If one side of the face appears to droop or is numb, it could indicate that the person is experiencing a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), commonly known as a stroke. Early detection of stroke symptoms, like face drooping, is crucial because timely medical intervention can significantly improve outcomes and help minimize brain damage.

Recognizing this symptom alongside the others in the FAST acronym—Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time to call emergency services—allows bystanders to respond promptly and effectively in a critical situation.