HSE West and North West urges people to think F.A.S.T this World Stroke Day
To mark World Stroke Day today (Wednesday, October 29) HSE West and North West is urging everyone to know the signs of stroke and the importance of seeking treatment as soon as symptoms appear. Strokes are a medical emergency, and urgent treatment is essential.
One in four of us is at risk of stroke in our lifetimes. A stroke is a life-threatening medical condition, where blood supply to part of the brain is cut off by a blockage or a ruptured blood vessel.
A stroke can happen at any time to any person. It is the third leading cause of death in Ireland and the leading cause of acquired adult neurological disability. Over 90,000 people live with the effects of stroke in Ireland, and it is estimated that there will be a 58% increase in incidents of stroke over the next 10 years.
Christine McLoughlin, Clinical Nurse Specialist in Stroke at LUH said, “When it comes to stroke, it is important to think FAST which is: F for Face, has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile? A for Arms, can they raise both their arms and keep them there? S for Speech, is their speech slurred? T is for Time, time to call 999 or 112 if you see any single one of these signs. Stroke destroys 2 million brain cells every minute, so every second counts.”
Dr Jose Miranda, Consultant in Stroke at LUH added, “Stroke is a medical emergency and needs to be assessed by medical professionals in hospital. The quicker we get the blood flowing back to the brain the more of the brain we can save, reducing disability and even death. Each year, approximately 10,000 Irish people have a stroke and around 2,000 die – more deaths than breast cancer, prostate cancer and bowel cancer combined. Stroke is the third biggest cause of death in Ireland and the biggest cause of acquired disability.”
Recognising the signs of stroke and acting quickly makes a significant difference to survival and recovery. The message is simple: the second you suspect a stroke, is the second you call 999 or 112.
An easy way to be aware of the signs of stroke is to remember the established acronym, F.A.S.T:
Face – Has the face drooped or become weak on one side?
Arm – Has an arm become suddenly weak or clumsy on one side?
Speech – Has speech suddenly become slurred or confused in nature?
Time – Time to act FAST: phone 999 or 112 for an ambulance immediately.
F.A.S.T. is a well-known worldwide acronym, and yet, there is still some hesitancy when calling an ambulance for stroke symptoms. You only need one of these symptoms for it to be a stroke.
Currently, fewer than 50% of stroke patients arrive at the hospital within three hours of symptoms starting, a critical window for lifesaving and disability-reducing treatments. Acting quickly is vital in improving the outcomes of stroke. The sooner a person gets treatment, the less damage is likely to happen.
A stroke can happen at any time to anyone, regardless of age. This is why the newly launched HSE Stroke advertisements focus on everyday family moments, such as playing a game of tennis or hosting a children’s birthday party. The steps stay the same; call 999 or 112 and ask for an ambulance as soon as a stroke is suspected.
Remember, if you suspect that you or someone else is having a stroke, phone 999 or 112, immediately ask for an ambulance and say that it may be a stroke.
The campaign is on TV, radio and online, and the key message is ‘The second you suspect a stroke is the second you dial 999 or 112.’
Further information is available here.