Which FAST component indicates arm drift during a stroke assessment?

The component of the FAST assessment that indicates arm drift during a stroke evaluation is arm drift. This specific part of the assessment helps identify the potential effects of a stroke on motor function. When conducting the assessment, a responder asks the person to raise both arms to see if one arm drifts downward or cannot be raised at all. This can suggest weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, which is a common symptom of a stroke.

Identifying arm drift is critical because it assists first responders in quickly assessing the severity of the situation and determining the need for immediate medical intervention. Early recognition of stroke symptoms often leads to better outcomes for the patient, highlighting the importance of the FAST method in emergency response scenarios.

The other components of FAST—face drooping, slurred speech, and the importance of timing in calling 911—serve different roles in the stroke assessment and do not specifically address arm drift. Each component is valuable for a comprehensive assessment but pertains to different symptoms or actions associated with a stroke.