BE FAST in a stroke

When it comes to strokes, acting quickly can make a huge difference –– experts say getting emergency help within an hour can improve your chances at a better recovery.

Use the acronym BE FAST to quickly recognize the signs of stroke:

B:  Balance –– Sudden loss of balance
E:  Eyes –– Sudden trouble seeing out of one or both eyes

F:  Face –– Sudden weakness on one side of the face
A:  Arm –– Sudden weakness in one arm or leg
S:  Speech –– Sudden loss of speech
T:  Time to call 911 if even one of these problems is new

Please, do not drive yourself to the hospital if you are having any of these symptoms.

Don’t delay treatment

Legacy emergency doctors say there is no concern about going to the ER during the coronavirus crisis. We have taken special steps to keep those with signs of COVID-19 separate from patients with other emergency needs.

“The ER is a safe place to seek care for all of your emergency needs,” says Dan Bissell, M.D., medical director of Legacy Emergency Services.