The FAST exam is used to rapidly assess signs of stroke. What does FAST stand for?

• A. Face, Arms, Speech, Time
• B. Face, Legs, Speech, Time
• C. Face, Arm movement, Speech, Time
• D. Face, Arms, Balance, Time

Answer: (A)

FAST is a quick stroke-screening mnemonic used in the field to spot signs that suggest a stroke and to act fast. It stands for Face, Arm, Speech, Time. Face means looking for drooping on one side when the person smiles; Arm means weakness or drift when both arms are raised; Speech means difficulty speaking or understanding; Time emphasizes that every minute counts—note when symptoms started and call emergency services immediately. This matches the option that lists Face, Arms, Speech, Time because it accurately reflects the standard indicators EMTs screen for. The other choices replace Arm with Legs, Arm movement, or Balance, which are not part of the FAST acronym, so they don’t fit the established stroke recognition signs FAST is designed to identify.