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The Simple Acronym To Save A Life During A Stroke

A recent study highlights the effectiveness of the acronym F.A.S.T. in helping bystanders recognize the early signs of a stroke and call 911 immediately. According to research set to be presented at the American Stroke Association’s meeting, both F.A.S.T. and another acronym, BE-FAST, proved useful in helping people recall stroke symptoms. However, F.A.S.T. was found to be more effective in helping people remember key warning signs, such as face drooping, arm weakness, and speech difficulty, compared to BE-FAST.

Lead researcher Dr. Opeolu Adeoye, a professor of emergency medicine at Washington University School of Medicine, explained that adding two extra letters in BE-FAST made it harder for people to recall the key signs of a stroke. F.A.S.T. stands for facial drooping, arm weakness, and speech difficulty, with the “T” indicating “time to call 911.” BE-FAST, on the other hand, includes balance, eye, face, arm, speech, and time.

While both acronyms are used to help people recognize stroke symptoms, F.A.S.T. is more commonly promoted by the American Stroke Association. However, some healthcare systems have started using BE-FAST, which also highlights the potential signs of balance issues and vision changes associated with strokes.

To compare the two, researchers surveyed 1,900 people, who watched a one-minute video about either F.A.S.T. or BE-FAST. Afterward, they were asked to recall the acronym’s meaning and whether they would call 911 if they suspected someone was having a stroke. After viewing the videos, the likelihood of calling 911 increased from about 70% to 90% in both groups. Participants who viewed the F.A.S.T. video were more likely to identify the stroke symptoms associated with the acronym’s letters, increasing from 34% to 70%, compared to the BE-FAST group’s increase from 29% to 50%.

Thirty days later, nearly 1,400 of the original participants were re-surveyed. While the likelihood of calling 911 slightly declined, it remained higher than before watching the video, with 86% for the F.A.S.T. group and 87% for the BE-FAST group. The F.A.S.T. group also had a higher recall rate, with 50% of them remembering the symptoms for F, A, and S, compared to 40% for the BE-FAST group.

Overall, the study concluded that F.A.S.T. is a more effective tool for helping people recognize stroke symptoms and take prompt action. Dr. Adeoye emphasized the importance of public awareness in recognizing stroke signs, as early detection can significantly improve outcomes by ensuring timely medical intervention.