Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke. Delaying medical treatment can result in brain damage, permanent disability and even death, as two million brain cells will die every minute that a person is having a stroke. So, think and act F.A.S.T! The F.A.S.T. acronym stands for Face, Arm, Speech and Time. Look for an uneven smile, check if one arm is weak, listen for slurred speech and call 9-1-1 at the first sign of any of these symptoms.