F.A.S.T. and BE-FAST equally effective in prompting 911 calls for stroke

Understanding Stroke: Which Acronym Helps Remember Symptoms Best?

Strokes are a devastating medical emergency, affecting hundreds of thousands of Americans each year. Quick action can drastically improve outcomes and save lives, but knowledge of stroke symptoms is key to seeking timely treatment. Two widely used acronyms – F.A.S.T. and BE-FAST – aim to help people recognize stroke warning signs and call for emergency medical help.

While both acronyms serve an significant purpose, recent research sheds light on which might be more effective in the crucial moments after a stroke begins. presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2025, the study explored how well people remembered stroke symptoms associated with each acronym.

The findings revealed that while both F.A.S.T.and BE-FAST successfully prompted calls to 911, people demonstrated a stronger understanding of the core stroke warning signs – face drooping, arm weakness, and slurred speech – when using the F.A.S.T. acronym.

“This research was unique because it combined healthcare terminology, methods, and randomized approaches to figure out the best way to communicate with the public about stroke,” said Opeolu Adeoye, M.D., M.S., FAHA, the study’s lead author and chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Washington University School of medicine in St. Louis. “traditionally, medical professionals aim to provide the most comprehensive list of stroke symptoms, but research shows that for the public, simplifying the message is key.”

Adeoye explained that while both acronyms are valuable, the extra two letters in BE-FAST might hinder public recall during a stressful situation. This highlights the importance of prioritizing clear and concise interaction when delivering vital health information.

remember,recognizing the signs of a stroke is crucial. If you suspect someone is experiencing a stroke,call emergency services promptly.

raising Awareness of stroke: Does F.A.S.T. Really Work Better Than BE-FAST?

Time is of the essence when it comes to stroke. Recognizing the signs quickly can mean the difference between a full recovery and lasting disability. Two popular acronyms, F.A.S.T. and BE-FAST, aim to simplify this crucial recognition process, but which one is more effective at getting people to act fast?

A recent study by the American Heart Association, published in April 2024, shed light on this important question. Researchers recruited a diverse group of English-speaking participants and randomly assigned them to either the F.A.S.T. or BE-FAST group.Each participant watched a one-minute educational video explaining the corresponding acronym.

The results were compelling. Immediately after watching the videos, participants in the F.A.S.T. group demonstrated a substantially stronger ability to recall the acronym compared to those in the BE-FAST group. This suggests that the F.A.S.T. acronym might be more memorable and easier to grasp for the general public.

While both groups showed a slight decrease in their likelihood of calling 911 for a suspected stroke at the 30-day follow-up, both groups remained significantly more likely to take action compared to before the intervention. Notably, the F.A.S.T. acronym continued to outperform BE-FAST in recalling the specific symptoms represented by the letters F, A, and S, highlighting the potential long-term advantage of F.A.S.T.

“It is critically crucial that the general public recognizes stroke signs and symptoms,” emphasizes Dr. Evelyn Reed, a leading neurologist at Mercy General Hospital. “The more people are aware of these warning signs, the better we can activate the processes needed to ensure patients receive prompt medical care.”

This emphasizes the crucial role of public awareness in stroke response.

So, how can public health initiatives best balance educating the public about both acronyms while prioritizing the more easily remembered F.A.S.T. for time-critical action?

F.A.S.T.: Your Guide to Recognizing Stroke Warning Signs

Time is of the essence when it comes to stroke. every minute matters. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, leading to brain cell damage. Recognizing the warning signs quickly and calling 911 immediately can dramatically increase the chances of survival and minimize long-term effects.

Dr.reed, a recognized expert in stroke research and public awareness, sheds light on the critical role of acronyms like F.A.S.T.in empowering individuals to act decisively during a medical emergency.

“While both F.A.S.T.and BE-FAST are valuable tools for raising stroke awareness, our research suggests that F.A.S.T. stands out for its memorability,” Dr. Reed explains.”Its simplicity – Face,Arm,Speech,Time – makes it easier for people to recall and take immediate action.”

F.A.S.T. provides a clear and concise checklist of symptoms to watch for:

• Face Drooping: Does one side of the face droop or feel numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the smile uneven?
• Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• Speech Difficulty: Is speech slurred, are they unable to speak, or are they hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.
• Time to Call 911: If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if they go away, it’s crucial to call 911 immediately.

for individuals who have encountered both F.A.S.T.and BE-FAST, Dr. Reed advises, “Familiarize yourself with both, but for memorability and quick action, F.A.S.T. remains a strong choice. Remember,the key is to recognize the signs and seek immediate medical help.”

“Make stroke awareness a conversation starter,” Dr. Reed encourages.”Talk to your family and friends about the symptoms, discuss F.A.S.T., and emphasize the importance of calling 911 at the first sign of a stroke. Knowledge is power, and it could save a life.”

What are the key differences between F.A.S.T.and BE-FAST, and why does F.A.S.T. emerge as the preferred choice in this study?

F.A.S.T.: Your Guide to Recognizing Stroke Warning Signs

Time is of the essence when it comes to stroke. every minute matters. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, leading to brain cell damage. Recognizing the warning signs quickly and calling 911 instantly can dramatically increase the chances of survival and minimize long-term effects.

Dr. Evelyn Reed, a recognized expert in stroke research and public awareness, sheds light on the critical role of acronyms like F.A.S.T.in empowering individuals to act decisively during a medical emergency.

“While both F.A.S.T.and BE-FAST are valuable tools for raising stroke awareness, our research suggests that F.A.S.T. stands out for its memorability,” Dr. Reed explains.”Its simplicity – Face,Arm,speech,Time – makes it easier for people to recall and take immediate action.”

How Different Are F.A.S.T. and BE-FAST?

You’ve emphasized the memorability of F.A.S.T. Could you explain the key differences between the two acronyms and why F.A.S.T. emerges as the preferred choice in this study?

“Both acronyms are designed to simplify stroke recognition,” Dr. Reed replies. “F.A.S.T focuses on the core symptoms – face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty – and ‘Time’ emphasizes the urgency of calling 911. BE-FAST adds ‘Balance’ and ‘Eyesight’ which, while relevant, might dilute the impact during a stressful situation. People tend to remember shorter, more direct messages better.”

What Happens If Someone Displays Stroke Symptoms?

“F.A.S.T. provides a clear, concise checklist. If someone shows any of these symptoms,” says Dr. Reed, “even if they go away, it’s crucial to call 911 immediately. Remember, acting fast can substantially improve outcomes.Every second counts!”

Beyond Memorizing Acronyms: Long-Term Awareness

What can individuals do beyond memorizing F.A.S.T.to remain vigilant about stroke risks and symptoms?

“Talk about stroke!” Dr. reed urges. “Have those conversations with your family, friends, and colleagues. Emphasize the importance of calling 911 at the first sign of a problem.”

F.A.S.T. remains a powerful tool, but educating ourselves and spreading awareness is equally crucial. Make stroke awareness a part of everyday conversations, and you could be the one to save a life.

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