What is the purpose of the FAST-ED assessment?

The FAST-ED assessment is specifically designed to assess stroke severity during field evaluations. This assessment allows EMS providers to quickly evaluate patients for neurological deficits associated with a stroke, aiding in the identification of the type and severity of the stroke. FAST-ED includes components that help determine the level of disability and the urgency of treatment, which in turn guides the transport decisions and potential interventions that may be necessary upon reaching a hospital.

This tool is crucial in emergency settings as it helps prioritize care and resources for those most in need, ensuring timely treatment which can significantly affect outcomes for stroke patients. Its focus on stroke determination makes it integral in the rapid assessment and is not intended for assessing myocardial infarction risk, triaging orthopedic patients, or identifying allergies, which are the functions associated with the other options presented.