A sudden loss of balance. Blurred vision. Slurred speech. These subtle signs may be the only warning before a stroke strikes. And when it does, every second of response time can impact a person’s ability to survive and recover.
May is Stroke Awareness Month, and the South Carolina EMS Association is urging the public to learn the signs of stroke and act quickly by calling 911. In 2024, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) across South Carolina responded to more than 15,000 stroke-related emergencies—an average of 42 calls each day. These numbers highlight how often strokes occur and how critical it is to recognize the warning signs and respond without delay.
“Every second matters in a stroke, and the earlier someone receives treatment, the better their chances for recovery,” said Austin Mandeville, education director for the South Carolina EMS Association. “Knowing the warning signs
and calling 911 without delay is one of the most powerful ways the public can help.”
Know the Signs: BE FAST Recognizing stroke symptoms quickly can make all the difference. The BE FAST tool offers a simple way to remember the most common signs:
– B – Balance: Sudden loss of coordination
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E – Eyes: Blurred or double vision, or vision loss
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F – Face: Drooping on one side; ask them to smile
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A – Arms: Weakness or numbness in one arm
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S – Speech: Slurred or hardto-understand speech
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T – Time: Don’t wait—call 911 right away
“You don’t get a second chance with a stroke,” Mandeville added. “The moment symptoms appear is the moment to act—and calling 911 can make all the difference.”
Who’s at Risk?
A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is disrupted, preventing oxygen
from reaching brain tissue. Without oxygen, brain cells begin to die within minutes.
Several risk factors increase the likelihood of stroke, including:
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High blood pressure
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Smoking
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Diabetes
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High cholesterol
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Obesity or poor diet
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Sedentary lifestyle
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Heart disease
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Family history of stroke
“Stroke doesn’t only affect older adults,” Mandeville said. “We are seeing it in younger populations.”
If you have one or more of these risk factors, speak with your healthcare provider about steps you can take to reduce your risk.
Timely Treatment Starts with One Call
When stroke symptoms appear, the response must be immediate. Even if the symptoms seem mild or go away, do not wait to see if they return. Do not drive yourself—or someone else—to the hospital. Call 911.
EMS providers are trained to begin stroke care as soon as they arrive. They assess symptoms, alert the hospital while en route, and help reduce treatment delays by getting patients directly to the appropriate level of care.
Treatments like clotdissolving medication and mechanical thrombectomy can restore blood flow and improve recovery—but they are most effective within three to four and half hours of the first symptoms.
Why It Matters
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Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States
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One in four stroke survivors will experience another stroke without preventive care
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87 % of strokes are ischemic, caused by blocked blood flow to the brain
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Early intervention can reduce long-term disability or death
“Time is brain,” Mandeville said. “Knowing what to look for can be the difference between recovery and lifelong disability.”
