When stroke strikes, act F.A.S.T.

The Irish Heart Foundation’s Act F.A.S.T. campaign aims to raise awareness of the signs of stroke and the importance of calling an ambulance as soon as possible.

F.A.S.T. stands for Face, Arms, Speech and Time.

• Facial weakness – can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
• Arm weakness – can the person raise both arms?
• Speech problems – can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
• Time to call 112 or 999 for an ambulance if you spot any one of these signs.

If you recognise any of the signs of a stroke, call 112 or 999 immediately.

Effective stroke treatment is hugely time dependent. The faster you act, the more of the person you can save.

Stroke destroys two million brain cells every minute. If you suspect that someone is having a stroke call 112 or 999 immediately.

Every minute matters so act F.A.S.T.

Calling an ambulance and getting straight to the Emergency Department can make all the difference. Emergency stroke treatments can greatly reduce the disability a person may have after a stroke. 

Other less common signs of stroke

While the most common signs of stroke are those highlighted in the F.A.S.T. campaign, there are a number of other less common symptoms of stroke that can also occur.

These may include: Problems with balance and coordination, a sudden and severe blinding headache, confusion, dizziness, difficultly understanding what other people are saying, loss of vision in one eye or one half of both eyes, sudden onset dizziness or vertigo, and a sudden loss of sensation on one side of the body involving both the arm and leg or the face and arm.

The F.A.S.T. signs occur in the vast majority of all strokes so it’s important to remember to act F.A.S.T and call 999 or 112 if you think you or someone you know is having a stroke.

Remember, the faster you act, the more of the person you save.