What does B.E.F.A.S.T. help to remember?

B.E.F.A.S.T. is a mnemonic that specifically helps individuals recall the signs and symptoms of a stroke. Each letter in B.E.F.A.S.T. stands for a key sign that can indicate someone may be having a stroke:

• B - Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination.

• E - Eyes: Sudden vision changes in one or both eyes.

• F - Face: Facial drooping or unevenness; one side may look different than the other.

• A - Arms: Weakness or numbness in one arm, often noticeable when raised.

• S - Speech: Difficulty speaking or slurred speech.

• T - Time: Recognizing that time is critical and seeking emergency help immediately.

By remembering B.E.F.A.S.T., individuals can quickly identify potential stroke symptoms and facilitate rapid medical intervention, which is crucial for improving outcomes for stroke patients. The other options listed, such as signs of a heart attack, best practices for patient care, and emergency response protocols, do not accurately utilize the B.E.F.A.S.T. acronym. Thus, the use of this mnemonic is specifically relevant to stroke recognition.