FAST (stroke) FAST (stroke) FAST is an acronym used as a mnemonic to help detect and enhance responsiveness to the needs of a person having a stroke. The acronym stands for Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties and Time to call emergency services. The FAST was developed in the UK in 1998 by a group of stroke physicians, ambulance personnel, and an emergency department physician and was designed to be an integral part of a training package for ambulance staff. The FAST was created to expedite administration of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator to patients within 3 hours of acute stroke symptom onset.
National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians The National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) is a national Emergency medical services professional association representing all EMTs and Paramedics. The NAEMT educational programs also have an international scope. The mission statement of NAEMT (from their web site) "is to represent and serve emergency medical services personnel through advocacy, educational programs and research." Founded in 1975, the association is composed of multiple committees. Three unique educational programs are offered by the NAEMT. These short courses consist of several lectures, as well as teaching and evaluation stations, over two days, for a total of