What is a common first responder's quick assessment tool for stroke known in the context of Ontario protocols?

The common first responder's quick assessment tool for stroke recognized in Ontario protocols is the acronym FAST, which stands for Face, Arms, Speech, and Time. This tool is designed to help identify the signs of a stroke quickly.

When using FAST, responders look for facial drooping (Face), weakness in one arm (Arms), and slurred or nonsensical speech (Speech). If any of these signs are present, it indicates a potential stroke, and the crucial factor is Time, emphasizing the importance of calling for emergency medical services immediately.

While the other terms, such as BEFAST and VAN, also relate to stroke assessment, they are not as directly associated with the standard protocols in Ontario for first responders. BEFAST expands the FAST acronym by adding balance and vision changes. VAN refers to a more advanced assessment tool used in specific regions but is not as widely recognized in basic training for first responders compared to FAST. Thus, FAST remains the primary tool used for quick assessments in the context of stroke recognition for first responders within Ontario protocols.