Which test is used to evaluate stroke symptoms on scene?

• A. BEFAST
• B. NIHSS
• C. GCS
• D. Cincinnati stroke test

Answer: (D)

The testing concept here is using a quick, field-friendly stroke screening tool that EMS can perform in the patient’s location to identify likely stroke signs without slowing scene time.

The Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale is designed for exactly that: a rapid, three-item check that screens for common stroke symptoms—facial weakness, arm drift, and speech abnormalities (or grip strength in some versions). It can be evaluated in seconds, which matters because every minute counts in stroke care. A positive result flags the patient as a likely stroke, prompting prehospital notification to the receiving hospital and expedited transport to a stroke-ready facility.

This approach is preferred on scene over more comprehensive tools like NIHSS, which are too detailed and time-consuming for prehospital use, or over broad consciousness checks like the GCS, which aren’t specific to stroke. While BEFAST is useful for public awareness, the Cincinnati stroke scale is the streamlined, validated option EMS routinely uses for quick, accurate field screening.