Too few Massachusetts residents know all the signs of stroke or recognize the value of calling 9-1-1. Only 17% of Massachusetts adults know all the signs of a stroke.² HSPC partners with the American Stroke Association (ASA) to raise awareness about stroke symptoms.

FAST is a campaign to educate the public about the signs of stroke.

F-A-S-T stands for:

• Face: Does the face look uneven? Ask the person to smile.
• Arm: Does one arm drift down? Ask the person to raise both arms.
• Speech: Does their speech sound strange? Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase.
• Time: If you observe any of these symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately.

A 3-minute Stroke Heroes Act FAST animation (DVD or VHS tape in English and Spanish) is available to teach the observable signs of stroke and to respond by calling 9-1-1. The Stroke Heroes Act FAST animation is based on the Cincinnati Stroke Scale.⁵ The animation has been reviewed and approved by neurologists and stroke associations. The animation and accompanying brochures and posters in English and Spanish are available at the Massachusetts Health Promotion Clearinghouse. Materials are free for Massachusetts organizations.
Call 1-800-487-1119 or email heart.stroke@ma.state.us for more information about FAST materials.