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What does it mean to act FAST if you witness the signs of a stroke?

Your health status can change as you adapt to your new life here. Worrying about how you will provide for your family, find a place to live, take on jobs that are hard on your mental and physical health, and a change in diet can all contribute to health issues, including the risk of stroke.

What is a stroke? 

A stroke happens when blood stops flowing to any part of your brain or bleeding occurs in the brain, damaging brain cells. The effects of a stroke depend on the part of the brain that was destroyed and the amount of damage done. 

The three main types of stroke include: 

• Ischemic stroke: a blockage or blood clot in a blood vessel in the brain blocks blood flow to an area of the brain
• Hemorrhagic stroke: an artery in the brain breaks open. The interrupted blood flow can cause brain cells to die, leading to injury to the brain.
• Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): a small blood clot that briefly blocks an artery. 

Stroke is a leading cause of death, severe disability and hospitalization across Canada. In Ontario, there are over 41,000 strokes each year – that’s one every 13 minutes. According to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, a stroke can happen at any age, but the risk of stroke is on the rise in Canada due to an aging population and more younger people having strokes.

What is FAST?

FAST is an acronym (or short form) to help you remember the signs of stroke so you can act fast by calling 9-1-1. The FAST signs are the most common signs of stroke and are more likely to be a stroke than any other condition.

The FAST signs of stroke include: 

F – Face is it drooping? 

A – Arms can you raise both?

S – Speech is it slurred or jumbled? 

T – Time to call 9-1-1 right away!

Additional signs of stroke may include:

• Problems with balance
• Vision changes, blurred or double vision 
• Numbness usually on one side of the body
• Sudden severe headache usually accompanied by some of the other signs

Not everyone will experience all the signs of stroke. If you experience any of the FAST signs, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Why should I call 9-1-1 immediately for a stroke?

Every second counts during a stroke event, as 1.9 million brain cells die with each passing minute. Recognizing the signs of stroke and acting quickly can mean the difference between life and death or the difference between a better recovery and lasting disability, such as cognitive impairment, paralysis, communication and vision issues, and memory loss. 

Do not drive to the hospital. Call 9-1-1 immediately, and an ambulance will take you to the closest hospital that provides urgent stroke care. Rapid emergency medical response is an essential first step in accessing urgent stroke care, which can increase the chance of better outcomes. By recognizing the signs of stroke and knowing to call 9-1-1 (emergency telephone number) immediately, Emergency Medical Service (EMS) can ensure you arrive at a hospital fast and safely to get urgent stroke care. 

Not every hospital provides urgent stroke care, so when patients arrive for stroke care other than through EMS, they may end up at a hospital that is not able to properly diagnose or treat them and may have to be transferred to the correct hospital. Currently, there are around 30 stroke centres in Ontario that have diagnostic imaging tools, clinical staff and specialized stroke treatments, while the rest of Ontario's hospitals are not as well equipped to properly treat stroke.

*NOTE: Make sure to record the time that stroke symptoms started or the last time the person was known to feel well. EMS and the hospital will need this information.

What happens after I call 9-1-1 for a stroke?

After you call 9-1-1, the paramedics will take the person having the stroke to the closest hospital that offers urgent stroke care. The emergency line will call ahead to prepare the hospital staff for the patient's arrival and they should receive medical attention soon after they arrive. If they don’t, let the emergency department staff know immediately.

Provide a detailed medical history and information about past medical conditions if possible. Knowing the exact time that the stroke signs began is important because it can help hospital staff decide what treatment is right for you. Treatment depends on the type of stroke, but you can find more information on recovery and support on the Heart & Stroke webpage. 

Why is the FAST campaign awareness important for newcomers in Ontario?

Ontario has the lowest levels of stroke sign recognition compared to other provinces. It also has the lowest levels of understanding that stroke is a medical emergency requiring immediate action. Recognizing the signs of stroke and acting quickly by calling 9-1-1 can mean the difference between life and death or between a better recovery and lasting disability.

How can I prevent the risk of stroke? 

Prevention starts with knowing your risk. An unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, stress, smoking, and excessive alcohol and drug abuse can increase your risks. Nine in ten Canadians have at least one risk factor for stroke or heart disease, but almost 80% of premature stroke and heart disease can be prevented through healthy behaviours.

Small, healthy changes in your daily routine like eating healthy, being active and living tobacco and nicotine-free, can decrease your risk for stroke. A healthcare professional can help you determine what risk factors you should focus on first and set goals you can reach. You can consult with a healthcare professional by visiting your family doctor:

• Find a Doctor
• Where can I get medical help if I don't have a family doctor?

Certain health conditions are also risk factors for stroke, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Although some medical conditions increase the risk of stroke, you can manage them with medication, treatment, and by making healthy choices. 

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