During lunch with her friend at a restaurant, Julie Voigt said, “I’m really lucky that I didn’t have a stroke. My family has a real, real history of it, with my aunt…”

Just then her words slurred and she leaned to one side, unable to hold herself up. Julie’s luck had run out. Immediately 9-1-1 was called and she was rushed to a hospital where she was administered a clot-busting drug, but the drug didn’t fully work. The clot was still there, so her doctor used a clot retrieval device.

Quick recognition of Julie’s stroke signs and a speedy 9-1-1 call, combined with lightning fast EMS response and hospital staff expertise, saved her life and enabled a full recovery.

The American Stroke Association’s Together to End Stroke initiative, nationally sponsored by Medtronic, teaches the acronym F.A.S.T. to help people recognize a stroke and respond:

Additional stroke signs include: Sudden severe headache with no known cause; sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; or sudden confusion or trouble understanding. Together to End Stroke offers a free “Spot a Stroke F.A.S.T.” mobile app for iOS and Android, which includes the warning signs and a searchable map to find local hospitals recognized for heart and stroke care.

VISIT STROKEASSOCIATION.ORG TO SEE A VIDEO OF JULIE’S STORY.