Quick cardMedical
Medical

Heart attack or stroke (BE FAST)

Chest pain or pressure, or drooping face, weak arm, slurred speech.

Call 911
Do this nowTap each step when done
  1. 1Call 911 right away. Every minute counts.
  2. 2Check BE FAST: balance, eyes, face, arms, speech.
  3. 3Write down the time the symptoms started.
  4. 4Sit them up or lay them down in the most comfortable position.
  5. 5Chest: chewable aspirin only if 911 or their doctor says so.
  6. 6If they aren't breathing normally: CPR and AED.
1. BE FAST: balance, eyes, face, arms, speech. Time: 911 NOW   2. 911 and write down the time   3. Sit them up or lay them down comfortably
Don't
  • Don't drive them yourself unless 911 tells you to.
  • Stroke: don't give food, drink, or medicine.
  • Don't let them walk or strain.
  • Don't wait to "see if it passes."
Have ready
  • Low-dose chewable aspirin in the first-aid kit.
  • List of each person's medications and allergies.
  • Location of the nearest AED.
Key factB balance · E eyes · F face drooping when smiling · A one arm drifts down · S slurred speech · T time: call 911 NOW. In women and people with diabetes, chest pain may be absent.

More detail

Ch. 7 · First aidOpen chapter
Next urgent cardUnconscious person / not breathing: CPR and AED

Reviewed: Nov 2026 · Sources: Chapter 7 · First Aid