FAST-ED Scale for Large Vessel Occlusion
Field Assessment Stroke Triage for Emergency Destination (FAST-ED). Identifies large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke for prehospital triage to thrombectomy-capable centre.
Score interpretation
FAST-ED < 4 — lower probability of large vessel occlusion (NPV 82% at the ≥ 4 cut-off in the derivation cohort).
→ Route to nearest stroke centre; CT brain and standard stroke assessment
FAST-ED ≥ 4 — sensitivity 60%, specificity 89%, PPV 72% for large vessel occlusion (Lima 2016).
→ Bypass nearest hospital if needed; route directly to thrombectomy-capable comprehensive stroke centre; pre-alert team
Interpretation bands for the FAST-ED. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Lima FO et al. Field Assessment Stroke Triage for Emergency Destination: A Simple and Accurate Prehospital Scale to Detect Large Vessel Occlusion Strokes. Stroke. 2016;47(8):1997–2002.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Aspirin (Loading Dose) · Antiplatelet — ACS / Ischaemic Stroke
- Alteplase (tPA) · Thrombolytic — Ischaemic Stroke / Massive PE
- Edoxaban (AF Stroke Prevention / VTE) · Direct Factor Xa Inhibitor (DOAC)
- Clopidogrel (Stroke/TIA Secondary Prevention) · Antiplatelet (P2Y12 Inhibitor)
- Dabigatran (Stroke Prevention — AF) · Direct Oral Anticoagulant — Thrombin Inhibitor
- Rivaroxaban (Stroke Prevention — AF) · Direct Oral Anticoagulant — Factor Xa Inhibitor
- Acute Stroke / TIA Assessment · NICE NG128; RCP Stroke Guidelines 2023
- Status Epilepticus (Adults) · NICE CG137; ESEM guidelines; RCP Neurology Guidelines
- Suspected Subarachnoid Haemorrhage · NICE NG228; RCEM 2023; AHA/ASA 2023
- Adult Head Injury · NICE NG232 (2023)
- Bell's Palsy / Facial Nerve Palsy · ENT UK 2017; AAN
- Vertigo Workup · ENT UK; NICE CKS
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.