New Campaign Urges Public To 'Act FAST' On Stroke

Public Health England (PHE) and Stroke Association has launched a new public awareness campaign, urging people the Act FAST if they spot the signs of stroke.

According to PHE, a person loses 2 million nerve cells every minute that they do not receive medical treatment during a stroke. Nerve cells are the core components of the brain, spinal cord and central nervous system and the more that are lost, the greater the chance of slurred speech, paralysis and permanent disability.

If left untreated, a stroke could result in permanent disability or death.

The latest Act FAST campaign again urges the public to call 999 if they notice any of the stroke symptoms in others or experience them themselves. The Act FAST campaign message is:

• Face – has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile?

• Arms – can they raise both their arms and keep them there?

• Speech – is their speech slurred?

• Time – time to call 999

Recognising the signs of stroke and acting quickly so that the person can get to hospital within the vital 3 hour window results in a greater chance of recovery as well as reduced likelihood of permanent disability and lesser need for extensive rehabilitation.

Since the Act FAST campaign launched in 2009, an additional 41,382 people have got to hospital within the vital 3 hour window, meaning that those affected by stroke receive the immediate medical treatment required.

Figures released by PHE earlier this year also show that since the campaign launch, over 4,000 fewer people became disabled as a result of a stroke in the period.

Dr Ann Hoskins, Director of Children, Young People and Families with, said: "Every minute really does count when it comes to stroke and delaying treatment can have serious consequences.

"We are urging everyone to stay alert to the signs of stroke and to seek immediate medical attention if they notice any of the symptoms in others. The faster a stroke is treated, the better the chances of a good recovery."

Jon Barrick, Chief Executive at the Stroke Association added: "Acting FAST can help reduce the devastating impact a stroke can have. We know that sadly, far too many people dismiss the early warning signs of stroke and delay calling 999. It's easy to ignore these signs as a 'funny turn', but stroke is a medical emergency and getting the right treatment fast can save lives and reduce the devastation that stroke can bring.

"You are more likely to survive a stroke, and make a better recovery, if your symptoms are spotted and you get treated in a stroke unit as quickly as possible. We need to Act FAST because time lost is brain lost."



(MH/LM)