Stroke Heroes Act FAST is a public health campaign produced by the Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention and Control Program at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Begun in 2006, it is dedicated to increasing stroke recognition and shortening the time between the onset of stroke symptoms and arrival at a hospital's emergency department. "Time lost is brain lost" is a phrase often used in stroke prevention programs. Because quick treatment can help avoid death or permanent physical disability, the FAST campaign stresses the need for immediate action by calling 9-1-1. FAST teaches the signs and symptoms of stroke through its acronym, which stands for: Face, Arm, Speech, and Time. The highlight of the campaign is a 3-minute animated video produced by Geovision. Accompanying the video are posters, brochures, wallet-sized cards, and PowerPoints. All of the items are available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese (with Khmer on the way). The PowerPoints are part of an education kit that is meant as a train-the-trainer module, and is also available in the three languages. A paid media campaign has accompanied the distribution of materials, and has included television, radio, print media, and transit cards on public transportation. To date, FAST materials have been used in 48 states and 28 countries, including Canada, Japan, and the Dominican Republic. (en)
Stroke Heroes Act FAST is a public health campaign produced by the Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention and Control Program at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Begun in 2006, it is dedicated to increasing stroke recognition and shortening the time between the onset of stroke symptoms and arrival at a hospital's emergency department. "Time lost is brain lost" is a phrase often used in stroke prevention programs. Because quick treatment can help avoid death or permanent physical disability, the FAST campaign stresses the need for immediate action by calling 9-1-1. (en)