What does the FAST mnemonic help identify?

The FAST mnemonic is specifically designed to help identify the signs of a stroke. Each letter in "FAST" stands for a key warning sign that you should look for when assessing someone who may be having a stroke.

• "F" stands for Face: Check if one side of the person's face droops when they smile.

• "A" stands for Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms; one may drift downward.

• "S" stands for Speech: Look for slurred or strange speech; the person may have difficulty speaking or finding the right words.

• "T" stands for Time: If any of these signs are present, it's important to call emergency services immediately, as prompt treatment is crucial for improving outcomes in stroke cases.

This mnemonic is vital because strokes require quick recognition and response to minimize brain damage and maximize recovery potential. Understanding this can save lives, which is why it's a vital part of CPR and First Aid training.